Efficient XML (formerly known as “Binary XML”) has long been the subject of heated discussion in the XML community, and while things are quieter now much remains to be debated. Beyond the questions of whether efficient XML is needed, remain the problem of whether it is possible to create a single solution that will address all use cases without producing a behemoth.

The W3C has recently engaged down the road of standardising on an Efficient XML format through the EXI working group. This talk will quickly cover the many events that eventually led to the creation of this working group, what the situation is today, where the working group intends to go, and the ways in which it could either fail or succeed. It is intended for the session to make a lot of room for interaction, so that fears, questions, objections may be brought forth.