Ask FERF about ... XBRL.

• Position: Resources - Extensible business reporting language, Financial Executives Research Foundation

XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is a language for the electronic communication of business and financial data.

XBRL is not a technology, but rather a set of standards, called taxonomies, which are built using the eXtensible Markup Language (XML). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) uses the generic term "interactive data" to describe XBRL.

"Interactive Data: Is the SEC's Priority Your Priority," on page 29, describes the experiences of financial executives at several of the approximately 40 companies that are currently participating in the SEC's Voluntary Filing Program for filing in XBRL. Other financial executives are encouraged to consider participation in this test group. For consideration, here are several good sources of information:

XBRL International

XBRL is being developed by an international consortium of about 450 major companies, organizations and government agencies. Its website, www.xbrl.org, is perhaps the best source of information.

This site has a robust menu.

* What is XBRL has information on Benefits and Uses, How XBRL Works and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

* XBRL in Action is a "one-stop shop" for how to implement XBRL, providing links to: XBRL case studies; project details; demos; and products and services.

* Education and Training provides a selection of explanatory materials that are prepared by XBRL members. Training and information sessions often take place at conferences, while jurisdictions and member organizations also run symposia and dedicated training.

XBRL-U.S.

The U.S. jurisdiction of XBRL International (www.xbrl.org/us) is composed of companies, organizations and individuals dedicated to developing and promoting XBRL adoption. There is a description of the SEC's Voluntary Filing Program and links to members: www.xbrl.org/us/members/.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

The SEC's home page (www.sec.gov) provides a link to "Interactive Data." This links to "Spotlight On: Interactive Data and XBRL Initiatives," with the latest information and releases on SEC XBRL activities. "Interactive Financial Report Viewer--Preview Release" allows viewers to interact with XBRL filings from more than 40 companies and is part of the SEC's Voluntary Filing Program.

Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF)

FERF has published two Executive Reports on XBRL, both co-authored by Taylor Hawes, Controller, Global Platforms and Operations, for Microsoft Corp., and chairman of FEI's...