This article describes the actual applications of XML in the context of Business- Intelligence-Systems (BI). The potentials and synergies of XML and BI will be emphasized. ▪XML applications can be found within all levels of BI-systems.▪The application of core-standards will be introduced as well as the possibilities of BI specific-standards.▪The discussion of the impact of XML for BI-systems follows along the dimensions: externalisation, integration, standardisation and rationalization.