CEN/WS XML - XML-EDI (eXtended Mark-up Language - Electronic Data Interchange)
The use of XML for EDI, known as XML/EDI, combines two winning approaches in electronic commerce. The eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) is a language developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the organization that develops primary specifications for the Web. XML will form the basis for information interchange between the next generation of computer systems. It will make the electronic exchange of documents and other exchangeable information much easier and less expensive. EDI, with its proven messages for interchanging data between businesses, needs to be brought in line with current Internet developments - particularly XML - if it is to be able to deliver the same benefits to businesses using the interlinked open communications networks of the future. In particular, the complexity and high cost of EDI implementations today need to be reduced, to enable wider adoption across sectors and by small and medium sized enterprises. XML/EDI promises to offer a great advance in the field of Electronic Commerce. It has the potential to enable a breakthrough in doing business electronically at all levels, especially at the level of SMEs. The relevant groundwork, already carried out for EDI and EDIFACT standardization can and should be used in the development of this new technology. For XML/EDI to reach its full potential, there is a need for a common and standardised approach to its development and application. The XML/EDI Workshop aims to provide a neutral, open and flexible platform for the identification, evaluation and progression of new developments in its subject area. Working from a European perspective, the Workshop will seek to contribute to the global dialogue on these developments. The workshop will draw on the inputs from all interested parties and, on the basis of these inputs, produce deliverables such as guidance material, technical specifications and other required deliverables. It will establish active liaisons with other relevant groups.
XML-EDI (eXtended Mark-up Language - Electronic Data Interchange)
The use of XML for EDI, known as XML/EDI, combines two winning approaches in electronic commerce. The eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) is a language developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the organization that develops primary specifications for the Web. XML will form the basis for information interchange between the next generation of computer systems. It will make the electronic exchange of documents and other exchangeable information much easier and less expensive. EDI, with its proven messages for interchanging data between businesses, needs to be brought in line with current Internet developments - particularly XML - if it is to be able to deliver the same benefits to businesses using the interlinked open communications networks of the future. In particular, the complexity and high cost of EDI implementations today need to be reduced, to enable wider adoption across sectors and by small and medium sized enterprises. XML/EDI promises to offer a great advance in the field of Electronic Commerce. It has the potential to enable a breakthrough in doing business electronically at all levels, especially at the level of SMEs. The relevant groundwork, already carried out for EDI and EDIFACT standardization can and should be used in the development of this new technology. For XML/EDI to reach its full potential, there is a need for a common and standardised approach to its development and application. The XML/EDI Workshop aims to provide a neutral, open and flexible platform for the identification, evaluation and progression of new developments in its subject area. Working from a European perspective, the Workshop will seek to contribute to the global dialogue on these developments. The workshop will draw on the inputs from all interested parties and, on the basis of these inputs, produce deliverables such as guidance material, technical specifications and other required deliverables. It will establish active liaisons with other relevant groups.