BACNet building automation protocol looks to XML

One of the most important network protocols for building automation systems, BACNet, is entering a new era.
A committee of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has recommended an addendum “t” for public review to improve the standard with Extensible Markup Language or XML.
XML is used in the data processing and communication worlds and can model a wide range of data. It is also flexible and can be transformed and extended. It is used widely for the internet.
“With this new IT-friendly way of representing building data, we are opening up a whole range of possible new ways to share data,” said Dave Robin, the incoming chair of the BACnet committee. “XML can be used for exchanging files between systems, integrating buildings with energy utilities, and expanding enterprise integration with richer Web services.”