While XML, SOA and Asynchronous JavaScript and XML generate the buzz, oldies but goodies such as CORBA on Unix <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1925264,00.asp">aren't going to disappear any time soon.</A> Why not modernize? "Older systems often represent significant investments, and it's often difficult, if not impossible, to justify the cost of rewriting older applications, since a technical refresh by itself may not add business value," said Eric Newcomer, chief technology officer of Iona Technologies.