Extensible Markup Language Strategy for Focused Logistics Background and Value of Standards Development and Management

Accurate, up-to-date information concerning transportation and movement of forces, equipment and supplies is critical to the success of a Joint Task Force. Joint Vision 2020 outlines the concept of Focused Logistics, which calls for total asset visibility (TAV). The primary provider of TAV will be the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) which is responsible for the Defense Transportation System (DTS). Critical to TAV throughout the DTS cycle is the implementation of web-based standards. The World Wide Web has changed the way the world, including the Department of Defense (DoD), thinks about and views information. The ability to access and use information rests on information technology (IT) standards. One standard that has seen recent widespread acceptance is the Extensible Markup Language (XML). This research paper addresses two important questions related to the proliferation of XML specifications throughout industry and the DoD. First, what are the current industry and DoD trends in transportation related XML standards development? Second, should USTRANSCOM interact with the IT standards development community in order to influence the XML standards development process?