XGenML - a global consortium for reporting genealogical information

Overview

XGenML is a global consortium developing an XML-based framework for the reporting of genealogical information. Membership is intended to include all those interested in genealogical information, including genealogical information providers, genealogical associations, the LDS church, genealogical software developers, government agencies, and individuals interested in XML and genealogy.

The initial goal of XGenML is to create an open XML specification for genealogical information, based on the work of others who have started to create genealogical models and XML standards, including the LDS church with GEDCOM XML, Gentech, GeniML and any others. This standard can be used in genealogical applications to easily create, exchange, provide and analyze this information.

XGenML will maintain the standard and be available to be the guardian of a globally unique identification scheme for people and places.

XGenML will be a nonprofit organization.

The vision

Imagine all genealogical information at LDS and all other repositories including those at Ancestry.com were easily accessible in this standard format? Imagine further all new birth, death, marriage, divorce records, etc. also available according to this standard. Imagine this information flowing seamlessly into your genealogical program. Think of how much easier and faster it would be to do genealogical research.

The XGenML standard is for:

• Government agencies, which document personal history information, including births, deaths, marriages, divorces, conscription notices, passport applications, pension applications. With the XGenML standard, it will be easy to look up, verify and analyze information.
• Genealogical information providers, including the LDS church, and genealogical websites. With the XGenML standard, it becomes easy to search for specific information, find it, and provide it.
• Genealogical associations, who help genealogical researchers, provide them with genealogical information, discussion lists and databases. With the XGenML standard, access to the information becomes easier.
• Genealogical software developers. Early adopters will benefit from being the first to market with the most helpful tool for genealogists. Tools vendors can sell tools to help governments and genealogical information providers convert their data to XGenML.
• Anyone who records, documents, provides or uses information, which may be used in genealogy. They have a way of finding the particular information they want.

Who can join?

We welcome everyone to join:

• Corporations
• Genealogical associations
• Government agencies
• Non-governmental organizations
• Individuals

The XGenML standard:

• Will be a standardized format for the preparation, documentation, exchange and analysis of genealogical information.
• Will be freely licensed, permitting the automatic exchange and reliable extraction of genealogical information across all software formats and technologies, including the Internet.
• Will benefit all users of personal information
• Will improve and speed up access to personal/genealogical information,
• Will reduce duplication of data entry of genealogical information
• Will facilitate access and distribution of genealogical information
• Will allow extensions created by users
• Will be license-free, platform-independent and well-supported

How can I get involved?

• Join. We want your participation.
• Contribute. We will need to maintain the organization.
• Communicate with us and tell us your needs.
• Help create the XGenML standard by joining the XGenML group. Click here and send a blank email.

The XGenML standard will be an open standard

1. Who can use it?
   • Like XML, everyone can use it without payment of any license fee,
2. Who can adjust it?
   • The public through XGenML, the global standards body, and everyone can join XGenML and contribute to the effort
   • Everyone can build compliant extensions to it
3. Who certifies it?
   • The public through XGenML, the global standards body
   • XGenML will have a committee to certify all extensions
4. Who owns it?
   • The public through XGenML, the global standards body