Extensible Markup Language, better known as XML, is one of the most durable data formats in computing. Introduced in the late 1990s, it provides a flexible, text-based way to describe structured information so that different systems can exchange it reliably. Although JSON has become popular for web APIs, XML remains deeply embedded in enterprise software, document formats, configuration files, publishing workflows, financial messaging and government data exchange.
This guide from Software Outsourcing Journal highlights five well-known companies whose products and platforms rely heavily on XML. If you are comparing data formats, integration styles and related tools, you can also read our overview of Software Development Technologies.
Why XML Still Matters
XML’s greatest strength is its combination of structure and flexibility. Developers can define their own tags, describe hierarchical data and validate documents against schemas such as XSD, which means two parties can agree on a precise format and automatically check that messages comply. Companion technologies such as XSLT for transformation, XPath for querying and namespaces for avoiding naming conflicts make it a complete toolkit for complex data handling.
Mixed content is another advantage. Unlike simple key-value formats, XML handles documents that combine text with markup, which is why it remains central in publishing, technical documentation and standards such as DocBook and DITA. Long-lived archives benefit from its human-readable, self-describing nature, since files can often be understood decades later.
XML also underpins many integration standards. SOAP web services, SAML for single sign-on, RSS and Atom feeds, SVG graphics, XHTML and numerous industry formats in healthcare, finance, insurance and logistics are all XML-based. Organisations with long-established systems often find that replacing these standards would be costly and risky, so they continue to maintain and extend XML interfaces.
XML Compared with JSON
JSON is lighter and more convenient for many web applications, particularly where JavaScript is the main language. XML is more verbose but offers richer validation, namespaces, comments and document-oriented features. Neither is universally better. A modern architecture may use JSON for mobile and web APIs while relying on XML for partner integrations, regulatory filings or document workflows. Experienced developers choose based on requirements instead of fashion.
How We Selected These Companies
We selected organisations whose well-known products or standards depend on XML in a significant, publicly documented way. The list is editorial and does not suggest that these are the only or largest users of the format, since XML is used throughout the software industry. Features and formats evolve, so check current documentation for details.
Top 5 Companies Using XML
1. Microsoft
Microsoft’s Office applications store documents in Office Open XML formats, the structure behind files such as DOCX, XLSX and PPTX. These files are essentially packages of XML parts, which allows developers to read, generate and modify documents programmatically without opening the application. Microsoft’s developer platforms also include extensive XML support, from configuration files in .NET to project definitions and web service standards. For anyone automating document workflows, understanding Microsoft’s XML formats is a valuable skill.
2. Adobe
Adobe uses XML in several important technologies. Its Extensible Metadata Platform, known as XMP, embeds descriptive information in images, PDFs and other files, supporting digital asset management and publishing. Adobe’s InDesign supports XML-based import and export workflows, and Experience Manager uses XML-related formats in content structures and packaging. Publishers and marketing teams use these capabilities to automate layouts, reuse content and keep metadata consistent across channels.
3. SAP
SAP’s enterprise software exchanges data with other systems through several formats, and XML plays a major role in integration scenarios. IDoc documents can be represented in XML, and the company’s integration tools handle web services, message mapping and transformation between partners. Because large organisations connect finance, logistics, procurement and manufacturing systems, structured, validated messages are essential. XML skills remain highly relevant for consultants and developers who work on SAP integration.
4. Oracle
Oracle supports XML across its database, middleware and application products. Its database offers native XML storage and querying features, while integration and service-oriented tools use XML-based messaging and schemas. Many enterprises use Oracle systems for financials, human resources and supply chain processes that must interoperate with partners and regulators. For organisations that maintain legacy integrations, Oracle’s XML capabilities provide continuity while they gradually adopt newer interface styles.
5. IBM
IBM has been a long-time contributor to XML standards and tooling, and its integration products have historically provided strong support for XML messaging, transformation and web services. Enterprise service bus technology, mainframe connectivity and industry-specific solutions often involve XML-based formats, particularly in banking, insurance and government contexts. IBM’s emphasis on reliable, auditable messaging has made XML a natural fit for mission-critical workflows.
Where XML Is Used Today
Finance is a major domain. Messaging standards such as ISO 20022 for payments use XML structures, and many regulatory reports are submitted as XML files. Healthcare relies on formats such as HL7 CDA for clinical documents, and government agencies exchange tax, customs and procurement information in structured XML schemas.
Publishing and documentation remain strong areas. Technical writers use XML-based authoring systems to manage content as reusable components, producing manuals in multiple languages and formats from a single source. Content management systems and translation tools commonly support XML interchange formats such as XLIFF.
Software development uses XML for configuration and build files, including Maven project files, Android layouts and manifests, and many framework settings. Web technologies such as sitemaps, RSS feeds and SVG images are also XML-based, so most developers encounter it regularly, even in modern projects.
Best Practices When Working with XML
Design schemas carefully. A clear, versioned schema makes integration easier and reduces ambiguity. Validate incoming documents and reject malformed data early, rather than passing problems downstream.
Secure your parsers. XML processing can be vulnerable to attacks such as external entity injection and entity expansion. Disable unnecessary features like external entity resolution, apply size limits and keep libraries updated. Treat XML from external sources as untrusted input.
Use appropriate tools. Streaming parsers handle large files efficiently, while document-model parsers are more convenient for smaller structures. XSLT and XQuery can simplify transformations, though maintainability matters, so document complex stylesheets thoroughly.
Plan for coexistence. If you are modernising an architecture, wrap legacy XML services with an API layer, or transform data between XML and JSON at the boundary. A gradual approach reduces risk and respects existing partner commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XML obsolete?
No. It is less fashionable for new web APIs but remains essential in enterprise integration, document formats, standards and configuration.
Should new projects use XML or JSON?
Choose JSON for lightweight APIs and XML when you need strong validation, namespaces, document-oriented content or compliance with an existing standard.
Is XML slow?
It is more verbose than JSON, so payloads are larger, but with modern parsers and compression the difference is often acceptable.
Skills and Hiring for XML Projects
Because XML is mature, experienced developers are not always easy to find, especially in integration and publishing. Look for engineers who understand schemas, namespaces, XSLT, XPath and the standards used in your industry, such as ISO 20022, HL7 or DITA. Practical experience with message queues, enterprise service buses and data mapping tools is equally valuable. When outsourcing, ask for sample schemas, transformation stylesheets and test cases from previous work, and confirm that the team follows secure parsing practices. Documentation is critical because legacy interfaces often outlive their original authors. Cross-training junior developers, writing clear interface specifications and keeping sample messages in version control reduce dependence on individuals and make maintenance more predictable over the long term.
Final Thoughts
XML has endured because it solves real problems of structure, validation and interoperability. Microsoft, Adobe, SAP, Oracle and IBM each illustrate how deeply it is woven into documents, enterprise integration and publishing. If you need developers who understand XML, schemas and integration patterns, look for teams with proven experience in your industry’s standards. For more guides, visit Software Outsourcing Journal and explore our Software Development Technologies pages.