XML is a specification for an exchange syntax and is a product of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).  In combination with XML Schema, a related specification for describing information, it is used to exchange data between systems.  It is being used broadly on the Internet, as well as with applications not on the Internet.   The XML and XML Schema specifications together provide a means for defining the structure and content of information and exchanging that information between systems.

The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) focuses on how this key technology can be used to support system integration.  MEL works closely with standards development organizations, industry, other government agencies, and academia in applying the technology.  Our resulting expertise includes testing and evaluation tools for specifications based on XML, as well as specifications of XML Schemas for particular applications.

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