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OASIS ratifies Service Provisioning Markup Language

The OASIS international standards consortium today announced that its members have approved the Service Provisioning Markup Language (SPML) version 2.0 as an OASIS Standard, a status that signifies the highest level of ratification.

SPML provides an XML-based framework for managing system resource allocation within and between organizations. It defines the provisioning of digital services such as user accounts and access privileges on systems, networks and applications, as well as physical resources like cell phones and credit cards.

The SPML v2.0 OASIS Standard offers enhanced functionality as well as a new profile that lets users and other objects be manipulated more easily. Additional features include improved password management, user suspension capabilities, and user attribute schema discovery.

OASIS chairs have highlighted the relevance of identity management in the provisioning and de-provisioning of business solutions. In addition, SPML was developed in conjunction with other key security specs such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) and WS-Security, both of which are also OASIS standards. "Our security committees work together to exploit the benefits of reuse and coordination to the greatest extent possible,” notes Patrick Gannon, OASIS president and CEO.

For more info, and to see archives of the OASIS Provisioning Services Technical committee, visit the OASIS Web site.