The two specs, XML Encryption Syntax and Processing and Decryption Transform for XML Signature, will enable Web pages using Extensible Markup Language to encrypt parts of a document being exchanged between Web sites, the World Wide Web Consortium said.

While other methods exist for encrypting XML documents, the W3C's specifications make it possible to encrypt selected sections or elements of a document--for instance, a credit card number entered in an XML form.

"This provides a way to identify parts of an XML document that may be secured by the author, so you can choose the parts that are most important and encrypt those," said W3C representative Janet Daly.

The new specifications are expected to help speed the development of Web services built on XML, code that lets developers create specialized languages for exchanging specific types of data.

The W3C's encryption work comes as part of a larger push to publish standards relevant to the Web services trend. The consortium earlier this year weathered criticism that it was slow to develop Web services, but has since published a wide array of Web services-related drafts.

The XML encryption technology was developed by the W3C's encryption working group, consisting of companies such as Microsoft, Motorola, IBM, Sun Microsystems, VeriSign and BEA Systems, among others.

By Jim Hu
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
December 10, 2002

December 3, 2002 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- In an effort to work against the free Linux-based server software offerings presenting it with direct competition, computing platform developer Microsoft Corp. (Microsoft.com) released the results of a study this week that indicates Windows 2000 is generally cheaper to run and support.

The survey, commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by research organization IDC, suggests that operating a server based on free Linux software can end up costing businesses more than Windows server software because of personnel costs necessary for the maintenance of the servers.

The total cost of a server system would include the hardware, software and support, said the report, which looked at the cost of supporting an operating platform over a period of time.

Conducted earlier this year, the study surveyed IT managers from 104 North American companies on the total money spent on Linux- and Windows-based server systems.

While servers based on Windows 2000 were cheaper to own and operate when used for networking, storing and sharing files, printing and security, said the study, Linux servers were cheaper to operate when used for Web hosting.