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ECMA

See European Computer Manufacturer’s Association

European Computer Manufacturer’s Association (ECMA)

A standards committee originally founded in 1961. ECMA is dedicated to standardizing information and communication systems. For example, it created the ECMAScript standard used for many Web page designs today. You can also find ECMA standards for product safety, security, networks, and storage media.

eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML)

A technique for creating secure Web service data communication. This standard lets developers add specialized XML tags that define the security policy for data communication needs such as a Web service. Many developers view XACML as the next step beyond Security Assertions Markup Language (SAML). In fact, XACML is a high-level protocol that relies on SAML to perform many of the low-level tasks.

eXtensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML)

A cross between XML and HTML specifically designed for Internet devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and cellular telephones, but also usable with desktop machine browsers. Since this language relies on XML, most developers classify it as an XML application builder. The language relies on several standardized namespaces to provide common data type and interface definitions. XHTML creates modules that are interpreted based on a specific platform’s requirements. This means that a single document can serve the needs of many display devices.

eXtensible Markup Language (XML)

1. A method used to store information in an organized manner. The storage technique relies on hierarchical organization and uses special statements called tags to separate each storage element. Each tag defines the characteristics of a data value and can contain attributes that further define each data entry. 2. A standardized Web page design language used to incorporate data structuring within standard HTML documents. For example, you could use XML to display database information using something other than forms or tables. It’s actually a lightweight version of standardized generalized markup language (SGML) and is supported by the SGML community. XML also supports tag extensions that allow various parts of a Web-based application to exchange information. For example, once a user makes a choice within a catalog, that information could be added to an order entry form with a minimum of effort on the part of the developer. Since XML is easy to extend, some developers look at it as more of a base specification for other languages, rather than a complete language.