XML - short for the eXtensible Markup Language - is a flexible and structured way to define documents and information. XML is similar to HTML, the markup language used to define web pages. As its name implies, the XML standard is a foundation that can be extended to create other document and information standards.

XML based standards include:

• XMLTV - uses XML to define television program listings including show times, descriptions, and actors.
  
  
• qbXML - uses XML to allow programs to exchange financial information with QuickBooks accounting software
  
  
• XHTML - uses HTML - adjusted for XML compliance - to define web page content, layout, and links.
  
  
• VoiceXML - uses XML to define the user interface of an automated telephone application, including prompts and menus.
  
  

XML has been used as the foundation for hundreds of information standards. A partial list of such standards can be found here.

How does XML work?

XML content is enclosed in tags. Tags are like bags with a label: they hold their content and describe what's inside. Furthermore, their content may include other bags. These bags provide the structure and organization of XML.

For example, imagine the following zip-lock bag was in the fridge, with a candy bar and two other bags inside of it:

The XML to describe the zip-lock bag above might look like this:

<bag label="Glenns Food" storage-date="October, 2001">

  <item>Candy Bar</item>

  <bag label="Vegetables" storage-date="Oct 11 2001">
	<item>Carrot</item> 
	<item>Lettuce</item>
  </bag>

  <bag label="Fruits" storage-date="Oct 13 2001">
	<item>Pear</item> 
  </bag>

</bag>

What are the benefits of XML?

XML delivers significant benefits to standards, platforms, and solutions that use it as their foundation:

1. Proven

   XML is based on the strengths of two of the most successful markup standards ever created - SMGL and HTML - and is in active use at thousands of enterprises throughout the world.

2. Versatile

   XML can be used for everything from scientific data to visual and audible user interfaces. Furthermore, it works with any programming language and operating system.

3. Powerful

   In addition to its native strengths, XML leverages the power of IP and web technologies. These technologies enable rapid, reliable, scalable deployment of any XML based solution.

4. Extensible

   XML based solutions can easily be extended and enhanced by vendors, customers, or 3rd parties - delivering the value of both standards-based and cutting-edge features.

5. Ubiquity

   XML tools, libraries, products, platforms, and solutions are widely available and are probably already known by your developers and IT staff. This ubiquity saves time and money.

Summary

XML is an extremely powerful and pervasive solution for any structured enterprise content or information requirement.

When used as the foundation of telephony application platforms such as Voxeo's own Prophecy VoiceXML and CCXML platforms, XML brings these valuable benefits to any telephony project. This combination can significantly reduce the time, expense, and complexity enterprises face when creating telephony solutions.

For more information on how Voxeo can help you create or deploy XML based telephony solutions, please contact us via any of the methods listed below:

Learn more about:

• Voxeo's VoiceXML and CCXML IVR Platform and Hosting
• Our Extreme IVR support and developer services
• Our free Evolution developer portal
• Our VoiceWorks IVR Applications

• Email Voxeo with your questions
• Call Voxeo at (800) 305-5771