Term of the Week: XMLWhat is it? Extensible Markup Language (XML) is an open standard for structured information storage and exchange.Why is it important? Encodes content and content structure, which in turn allows for machine-driven filtering and formatting of information. XML also serves as an interchange layer among otherwise incompatible systems.Sarah O’KeefeSOK_ad7cf192-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f6739Content StrategistsMachine-driven filtering and formatting of information are enabled and information is interchanged among otherwise incompatible systems._ad7cf2a0-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f6739To encode content and content structure_ad7cf32c-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f6739OpennessXML is an open, nonproprietary standard.StandardizationRisk ReductionUsing XML reduces the risk that an organization will be locked in to a particular vendor solution or publishing workflow when the organization’s requirements change. XML is widely supported in software, not just by software of interest to content strategists.Information & RelationshipsCapture not just text but information about the text and relationships among the various text components._ad7cf3d6-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67391With XML, you capture not just text but information about the text and relationships among the various text components. A foundation of rich, intelligent content opens up sophisticated content manipulation possibilities, such as personalization of information based on reader demographics or automatically linking product references to corresponding 3D images.PersonalizationPersonalize information based on reader demographics._ad7cf476-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67391.1ReferencesAutomatically link product references to corresponding 3D images._ad7cf4f8-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67391.2FormattingApply dynamically or in a rendering phase._ad7cf570-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67392XML files do not usually include formatting information. Instead, the formatting is applied dynamically or in a rendering phase. Deferring formatting until after the authoring phase allows for the following possibilities:OutputsAdd new outputs, or modify existing outputs, without affecting the source content files._ad7cf5f2-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67392.1You can add new outputs, or modify existing outputs, without affecting the source content files. This is in contrast to word processors and desktop publishing tools, in which a formatting change requires manipulation of each content file.Multi-LingualityManage content in multiple languages._ad7cf66a-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67392.2The introduction of an independent formatting layer makes it much easier to manage content in multiple languages. The translation effort can focus on linguistics instead of having to disentangle formatting as part of the translation.Subject MatterBuild expertise in subject matter rather than formatting._ad7cf6ec-41bb-11e9-83af-0f89e80f67392.3Authors no longer need expertise in formatting or desktop publishing, only in the subject matter.2014-08-14http://www.thelanguageofcontentstrategy.com/2014/08/term-of-the-week--xml.html#.XIKO9yhKiUkOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net