Microsoft joins XML industry group.

In an apparent about-face, Microsoft has joined an Extensible Markup Language (XML) industry consortium supported by its competitors, easing fears that a Java-like war will splinter the XML market. Microsoft has joined Oasis, a nonprofit XML industry consortium endorsed by Microsoft_s rivals, including IBM and Sun Microsystems. James Utzschneider, director of Microsoft_s BizTalk initiative, said the company on Friday decided to join Oasis at the senior-member level, meaning the company has paid Oasis a $7,500 fee and is participating in planning meetings. Utzschneider also said Microsoft is evaluating a Web site sponsorship pledge of $100,000 to the organization. Just last week, Utzschneider said Microsoft was hesitant to join Oasis, because he was not convinced the organization could handle the job.