The HR-XML Consortium, a non-profit organization dedicated to human resources (HR) data exchange, announced the formation of a new workgroup to standardize payroll transactions using XML. The first priority of the workgroup will be to develop a set of XML schemas to standardize communications between HR and payroll systems and also between payroll systems and third-party (e.g., 401K plan) administrators. Payroll providers, employers and HR companies are all encouraged to take part in the development of the new standards. Membership in the HR-XML Consortium and participation in the Payroll Workgroup is open to anyone involved in the payroll and/or HR industries, employers and vendors alike. Since the announcement of the workgroup at the HR-XML members meeting in Chicago last week, more than 20 HR and payroll providers came forth to contribute to this effort. Organizations and individuals interested in joining the Consortium, should visit