DSML was introduced in 1999 by Bowstreet and provides developers with a simple and convenient way to implement XML-based applications widely on the Internet.DSML's initial supporters were AOL-Netscape, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Novell, Microsoft and IBM.

DSML permits the use of XML syntax and tools to access directories within XML programs. The document content description defines the DSML.

DSML allows developers to work with multiple dissimilar directories and permits them to access Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)-enabled directories without writing an LDAP interface.

A DSML transaction includes the following steps:

• An XML application formats a query in DSML.
• The query is transported across an HTTP network and is received by a DSML service.
• The query is translated into LDAP; the data is retrieved from the directory and passed back to the DSML service.
• Data is formatted in DSML and sent back across the HTTP network to the application.

DSML documents describe directory entries and directory schemas. Each directory entry has a unique name called a distinguished name and property value pairs called directory attributes. All directory entries are also members of object classes. The object classes constrain directory attributes made by an entry and are described in the directory schema. This schema is included either in the same DSML document or a separate document. Metadata information and XML tags define directory schemas. Data and schema information requested by XML applications from directories is consolidated into a single document. DSML is installed on current directories by installing extensions.