HR-XML Developing Stock Plan XML Standards

HR-XML is a nonprofit group that creates XML standards for developing human resources data translation systems.

In theory, a successful XML stock plan standard could help employers share stock plan transaction information with brokers and third-party administrators.

Today, because there are no widely accepted electronic data standards, employers must buy expensive custom interfaces to communicate with stock plan administrators, or else use faxes, telephone calls and other manual comunications systems, HR-XML says.

The sponsors of the HR-XML stock plan working group include Fidelity Investments, Boston, and Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Washington.