Ecma TC46 to Standardize XML Paper Specification (XPS)

Ecma International Creates TC46 to Standardize XML Paper Specification

The New Open Standard Simplifies and Improves Electronic Paper Workflow Process

Geneva, Switzerland. July 03, 2007.

At the General Assembly meeting on 28 and 29 June 2007, Ecma International has created Technical Committee 46 (TC46) to produce a formal standard for an XML-based electronic paper format and XML-based page description language which is consistent with existing implementations of the format called the XML Paper Specification (XPS). The aim is to provide a standard, secure and highly trustworthy format that enables a wide set of applications, devices, tools and platforms to implement compatible paginated-document workflows.

The creation of TC46 was proposed by Autodesk, Inc.; Brother Industries, Ltd.; Canon Inc.; FUJIFILM Corporation; Global Graphics Software Limited; Hewlett-Packard Company; Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.; Lexmark International, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; Quality Logic Inc.; Ricoh Company, Ltd.; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Software Imaging; Toshiba Corporation; Xerox Corporation and Zoran Corporation, the organizations co-sponsoring the initiative. Martin Bailey of Global Graphics Software Limited will Chair TC46 and the Vice-Chair will be Takashi Hashizume of Fuji Xerox.

Simplifying the Electronic Paper Workflow Process

Standardization of XPS will enable users to enjoy the benefits the technology provides through a number of electronic paper scenarios. These include improved document archiving, better integration between document peripherals and applications and improved print performance and fidelity, and will be delivered with the assurance that implementations from multiple vendors will be completely interoperable.

"As technologies consistently advance, the need for simplicity in how users can view, share and archive data found in electronic paper has become even more essential," said Dr. Istvan Sebestyen, Secretary General of Ecma International. "The XPS format recognizes this need for easy access and interoperability in the marketplace, serving as a viable solution for ensuring support of electronic paper workflows across various computers, applications and devices."

In its role, TC46 will produce a fully documented and unambiguous standard for an XML-based electronic paper format and page description language, appropriate W3C XML Schemas to enable automatic verification of files written to the standard and enable interoperability between existing industry implementations of applications, devices, tools and platforms. In addition, TC46 will assume responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and evolution of this Ecma International standard, as well as support backwards compatibility with implementations targeted to prior versions of the standard. Finally, TC46 will establish and maintain liaison with other Ecma TCs and with other Standards Setting Organizations (SSOs).

About Ecma International

Since its inception in 1961, Ecma International (Ecma) has developed standards for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Consumer Electronics (CE). Ecma is a non-profit industry association of technology developers, vendors and users. Experts from industry and other organizations work together at Ecma to develop standards. Ecma submits its work for approval as ISO, IEC, ISO/IEC and ETSI standards and is the inventor and main practitioner of "fast tracking" of specifications through the standardisation process in International Standards Organisations (ISOs) such as the ISO and the IEC. Publications can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.ecma-international.org/.

For more information: please contact Dr. Istvan Sebestyen, Secretary General of Ecma International. Email: istvan@ecma-international.org.

Contact

Dr. Istvan Sebestyen
Ecma Secretary General
Email: istvan@ecma-international.org

Prepared by Robin Cover for The XML Cover Pages archive.

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