# xCBL

> collection of XML specifications (both DTD and XML Schema) for use in e-business

**Wikidata**: [Q1230989](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1230989)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XCBL)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xcbl

## Summary
xCBL is a collection of XML specifications (both DTD and XML Schema) created by Commerce One for use in e-business applications.

## Key Facts
- Created by Commerce One
- Consists of XML specifications including both Document Type Definition (DTD) and XML Schema
- Classified as both a collection and software
- Used for e-business applications
- Has technical specifications as parts
- Has a Wikipedia page in English

## FAQs
### Q: What is xCBL used for?
A: xCBL is used as a collection of XML specifications for e-business applications.

### Q: Who created xCBL?
A: xCBL was created by Commerce One.

### Q: What type of specifications does xCBL include?
A: xCBL includes both Document Type Definition (DTD) and XML Schema specifications.

## Why It Matters
xCBL represents an early attempt to standardize XML-based data formats for electronic business transactions. As e-commerce and business-to-business communication became more prevalent in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the need for standardized data exchange formats grew. xCBL provided a comprehensive framework that allowed businesses to exchange information in a structured, machine-readable format. This helped streamline procurement processes, improve supply chain management, and facilitate electronic commerce by providing a common language for business documents. The specifications enabled interoperability between different systems and organizations, reducing the need for custom data conversion and improving efficiency in business operations.

## Notable For
- Developed as one of the first comprehensive XML-based business document standards
- Included both DTD and XML Schema specifications
- Created to address the need for standardized e-business data exchange
- Provided a framework for electronic procurement and supply chain management
- Established as a technical specification for business-to-business communication

## Body
### Technical Specifications
xCBL (eXtensible Commerce Business Language) is a collection of XML specifications designed for e-business applications. The specifications include both Document Type Definition (DTD) and XML Schema definitions that define the structure and content of business documents.

The technical specifications cover various aspects of business transactions including:
- Purchase orders
- Invoices
- Shipping documents
- Inventory information
- Payment instructions

The specifications are designed to be extensible and adaptable to different business processes while maintaining interoperability between systems.

### Development and Adoption
Created by Commerce One, xCBL was developed as part of the broader effort to standardize electronic business communication. The specifications were designed to address the limitations of earlier EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems by providing a more flexible and adaptable XML-based solution.

The specifications were intended to be implemented by businesses and organizations to enable seamless data exchange across different platforms and systems. While it gained some adoption in specific industries, it faced competition from other XML-based business standards that emerged later.

### Technical Implementation
The xCBL specifications provide detailed definitions for business documents using both DTD and XML Schema approaches. The DTD specifications define the structure of documents using a set of rules and constraints, while the XML Schema specifications provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach to document validation.

Implementations of xCBL typically involve:
1. Document creation using XML editors or specialized business applications
2. Validation against the defined DTD or XML Schema
3. Transmission of documents via various protocols including HTTP, FTP, and email
4. Processing by recipient systems that understand the xCBL specifications

The specifications include guidelines for document versioning, error handling, and data transformation to ensure consistent interpretation across different systems.