Internet-based corporate reporting-filling the standardization gap

In addition to printed annual reports, a growing number of corporations use the Internet for corporate reporting. Current practice shows that neither the amount of data supplied nor the presentation modes of digital annual reports are standardized. Authenticity and integrity problems are obvious. In order to close this standardization gap, we discuss standards concerning the content, presentation, authenticity and integrity of the data supplied. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential application of the new emerging data format XML which could add significant benefits to digital reports.