The W3C is holding a workshop on XML key management in Redwood City, California, on 19 July 2001, to consider the requirements for simple key resolution and trust services for XML security applications.

Although earlier security and encryption work at the W3C deliberately avoided issues of key trustworthiness, such issues are criticial to applications which seek to use XML in a secure environment. The recent XKMS NOTE (VeriSign, Microsoft, webMethods) addresses some of these concerns.

The workshop, in addition to considering requirements, will assess the degree to which XKMS fulfils these, and determine if there is "sufficient focus and interest" to propose a W3C activity on key management.

Further details of participation for W3C members can be found in the Call for Participation. Position papers must be submitted by 19 June.