A couple of weeks ago in my entry on structured listings for webinar recordings, I pointed out the usefulness of a standardized XML schema for webcast information. I came up with a starter kit that I had used on WebEventSearch.com and said I would help promote efforts to create event listing pages that used XML-based data.
Aperio Networks put out a press release this morning on Business Wire, along with a corresponding blog entry saying how much they hated using Business Wire (Ouch! A hefty nip at the hand that feeds...). They have proposed a much more comprehensive XML schema for web event listings in association with their yet-to-go-live EventSpan search and listing service.
They are soliciting public comments and feedback on their XML representation and I encourage you to take a look and let them know what you think. Some sections are still under development... For instance, event categories are still to be determined. I have some opinions and suggestions (of course), but a public blog isn't the place for them. I'll be sending them my feedback in an email.
A standardized representation of webcast information benefits everyone. Vendors can produce value-add services for their customers, large enterprises can ensure that their many events can be found and sorted easily, and small companies just trying out webinars can get their events in front of the public on larger portals.
Get involved! Let's all help make web-based events become an accepted and standardized form of business communication and outreach.
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Technorati Tags: Aperio Networks, EventSpan, Virtual Event, web collaboration, web conference, web conferencing, web event, web meeting, webcast, webcasting, WebEventSearch, webinar, XML standards
