Abstract

TermBase eXchange (TBX), as specified in ISO 30042, comprises a framework consisting of two interacting components: a core structure and a formalism for defining data category modules. ISO 30042 describes the elements and attributes of the TBX core structure. This document provides an overview of schemas or alternative representations that can be developed based on the information described in ISO 30042. Individual validation schemas or alternative representations are described in individual Technical Reports in the ISO 24633 series. This document does not include details for creating schemas or alternative representations for any particular TBX dialect.

Status
Published
Publication Date
27-May-2026
Current Stage
6060 - International Standard published
Start Date
28-May-2026
Due Date
23-Aug-2025
Completion Date
28-May-2026

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ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 - Management of terminology resources — Companion to TermBase eXchange (TBX) — Part 1: General

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ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is an ISO Technical Report about management of terminology resources and the TBX companion series. It explains how to develop schemas and alternative representations for TermBase eXchange (TBX) using the TBX framework defined in ISO 30042, mainly for tool developers who implement TBX and validate TBX document instances.

This report is also useful to technical communicators, translators, information specialists, and anyone defining TBX-based terminology models. It gives a common way to describe TBX companions so that different tools and representations stay aligned with the same core structure.

What does ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 specify?

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 specifies the general approach for TBX companions: how to describe validation schemas or alternative representations that are based on the TBX information model in ISO 30042. It focuses on the TBX core structure, the relationship between the core structure and TBX dialects, and the way companion documents should define their scope and method.

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is organized into clauses on scope, normative references, terms and definitions, abbreviated terms, the relationship between the TBX core structure and TBX dialects, the scope of TBX companions, the TBX namespace, inline formatting, and how to develop a TBX companion. It ends with a bibliography.

What are the key requirements of ISO/TR 24633-1:2026?

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is mainly a methodological report, but it still sets clear rules for how TBX companions are described and how TBX validation works in practice.

TBX core structure and TBX dialects

Clause 5 explains that the TBX core structure schema is the common base for all compliant TBX dialects. A schema for a specific dialect only validates files of that same dialect, because the dialect name in the root element and the allowed data categories must match. In practice, this means a TBX-Min schema will reject a TBX-Basic file if the file carries categories outside TBX-Min.

Scope of TBX companions

Clause 6 says TBX companions must state whether they apply to TBX 2.0 or TBX 3.0, and whether they cover the TBX core structure or a named TBX dialect. For a reader, this makes the companion’s intended use explicit before any schema work begins.

TBX namespace

Clause 7 states that the TBX namespace for all TBX document instances and dialects is urn:iso:std:iso:30042:ed-2. This matters because namespace consistency is part of valid TBX processing across tools.

Inline formatting

Clause 8 states that the inline markup used in TBX 3.0 is compatible with XLIFF 2.0 and higher. It also explains that inline elements preserve language, function, or embedded markup that should remain in the terminology record even if it is not processed during terminology management.

Developing a validation schema

Clause 9.1 says schema development starts from the low-level attributes used in the TBX core structure and moves toward the full schema model. The report says a schema description should define attribute classes, elements, element groups, and parent-child relationships, and may need extra mechanisms for constraints such as allowed values tied to a type attribute.

Developing an alternative representation

Clause 9.2 says an alternative representation should define its version, dialect, style, excluded TBX features, and any lossless roundtrip requirement. It then describes the procedure for modeling TBX core information in another syntax.

What terms does ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 define?

  • DCA - Data category as attribute: most TBX data categories are carried as values of a type attribute on XML elements.
  • DCT - Data category as tag: most TBX data categories are represented as XML generic identifiers.
  • TBX dialect - A markup language that validates against the TBX core structure and allows only the data categories permitted by its module set.
  • TBX core structure schema - A schema that expresses the TBX core structure for validating TBX document instances.
  • TBX core structure - The common structure and data categories used in all TBX dialects.
  • Schema - A formal description of the constraints on the structure and content accepted by a model.

Who uses ISO/TR 24633-1:2026?

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is primarily for tools developers who implement ISO 30042 and need to build validation or representation support for TBX. It is also relevant to terminology managers, technical communicators, translators, and information specialists who work with TBX-based term collections and need their tools to validate or exchange data consistently.

Which standards are used with ISO/TR 24633-1:2026?

  • ISO 30042 - The main TBX standard; it defines the TBX core structure and the framework this report builds on.
  • ISO/TR 24633-2 - Gives a procedure for creating a Relax NG schema for the TBX core structure.
  • ISO/TR 24633-3 - Gives a procedure for creating an RDF representation for the TBX core structure.
  • ISO/IEC 19757-2 - Provides RELAX NG, one schema language mentioned for TBX validation.
  • ISO/IEC 19757-3 - Provides Schematron, a rule-based validation method used for TBX constraints.
  • ISO/IEC 19505-1 and ISO/IEC 19505-2 - Provide UML, used in the described schema-development approach.
  • ISO/IEC 12785-2 - Provides an XML binding approach cited in the schema methodology.
  • ISO 21720:2024 - Provides XLIFF, referenced for inline markup compatibility.
  • W3C SHACL, RDF, JSON, XML and TEI - Are cited as representation or syntax references for TBX companions.

What does the ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 document contain?

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 contains a general explanation of the TBX framework, the role of the TBX core structure, and how TBX dialects relate to that core. It also describes the TBX namespace, inline formatting, and the steps for defining a validation schema or an alternative representation.

The document is meant to support design and implementation work, especially for validation tools and representation models. Its later clauses give the methodology that companion documents should follow, so implementers can create TBX support in a consistent way across different technologies such as RELAX NG, RDF, Schematron, and other syntaxes.

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ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 - Management of terminology resources — Companion to TermBase eXchange (TBX) — Part 1: General

Release Date:28-May-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is a technical report published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Management of terminology resources — Companion to TermBase eXchange (TBX) — Part 1: General". This standard covers: TermBase eXchange (TBX), as specified in ISO 30042, comprises a framework consisting of two interacting components: a core structure and a formalism for defining data category modules. ISO 30042 describes the elements and attributes of the TBX core structure. This document provides an overview of schemas or alternative representations that can be developed based on the information described in ISO 30042. Individual validation schemas or alternative representations are described in individual Technical Reports in the ISO 24633 series. This document does not include details for creating schemas or alternative representations for any particular TBX dialect.

TermBase eXchange (TBX), as specified in ISO 30042, comprises a framework consisting of two interacting components: a core structure and a formalism for defining data category modules. ISO 30042 describes the elements and attributes of the TBX core structure. This document provides an overview of schemas or alternative representations that can be developed based on the information described in ISO 30042. Individual validation schemas or alternative representations are described in individual Technical Reports in the ISO 24633 series. This document does not include details for creating schemas or alternative representations for any particular TBX dialect.

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.020 - Terminology (principles and coordination); 35.240.30 - IT applications in information, documentation and publishing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO/TR 24633-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


Technical
Report
ISO/TR 24633-1
First edition
Management of terminology
2026-05
resources — Companion to
TermBase eXchange (TBX) —
Part 1:
General
Gestion des ressources terminologiques — Complément à
TermBase eXchange (TBX) —
Partie 1: Généralités
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 2
5 Relationship between the generic TBX core structure and TBX dialects . 3
6 Scope of TBX companions . 3
7 TBX namespace . 3
8 Inline formatting . 4
9 How to develop a TBX companion. 4
9.1 Defining a validation schema . . .4
9.1.1 Defining the scope .4
9.1.2 Describing the methodology for a schema .4
9.2 Defining an alternative representation .5
9.2.1 Defining the scope . .5
9.2.2 Describing the methodology for a representation .5
Bibliography . 6

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology, Subcommittee
SC 3, Management of terminology resources.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
This document is the first part of a series of companion standards to ISO 30042:2019, which defines a
framework for representing terminological data, referred to as TBX 3.0.
Although TBX 2019 (ISO 30042:2019) is only the second edition of the International Standard, an earlier
[12]
LISA version existed that has come to be designated TBX 1.0. The third version of the TBX standard
(ISO 30042:2019) provides for a core data structure that is common to all TBX dialects, augmented by
additional modules designed to define the constraints associated with supplemental data categories used
in different terminology management environments. This structural principle provides users with the
flexibility to configure their own TBX-compliant data models by combining the TBX core structure with
other existing modules, such as TBX-Min and TBX-Basic, plus a final module containing any additional data
categories designed to meet their special needs.
NOTE TBX-Basic is a common TBX dialect that reflects industry best-practices for terminology databases that are
[12]
used for content production purposes such as authoring and translation.
End users of terminological data collections include technical communicators, translators and information
specialists. They will benefit most from the implementation of the TBX framework if the computing tools
used in their work environments integrate procedures for the automatic validation of TBX document
instances. Thus, the ISO 24633 series of Technical Reports is primarily for tools developers who wish to
implement ISO 30042. It is assumed that the projected users of this document will possess the following
skills:
— familiarity with basic principles of concept-oriented terminology management;
— familiarity with the TBX standard (ISO 30042);
— familiarity with the approach involved in a given schema or representation.
This document ensures commonality for consistency across multiple documents. Subsequent parts of this
[6] [17] [18]
series describe schemas for validation. Some examples include RNG , RDFS , JSON , DCT style (of TBX)
[19]
or TEI (or TEI friendly).
This document provides a general overview of how to develop schemas and representations for TBX. It
includes the following:
— Terminology: Representation-agnostic terminology.
— Scope: Clarification of the scope of companions to TBX.
— Methodology: How to approach the development and writing of new schemas or representations.
Additional schemas or representations are described in subsequent parts of this series.

v
Technical Report ISO/TR 24633-1:2026(en)
Management of terminology resources — Companion to
TermBase eXchange (TBX) —
Part 1:
General
1 Scope
TermBase eXchange (TBX), as specified in ISO 30042, comprises a framework consisting of two interacting
components: a core structure and a formalism for defining data category modules. ISO 30042 describes
the elements and attributes of the TBX core structure. This document provides an overview of schemas or
alternative representations that can be developed based on the information described in ISO 30042.
Individual validation schemas or alternative representations are described in individual Technical Reports
in the ISO 24633 series. This document does not include details for creating schemas or alternative
representations for any particular TBX dialect.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 30042, Management of terminology resources — TermBase eXchange (TBX)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 30042 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
DCA
data category as attribute
style of representing TBX data whereby most data categories are expressed as the value of a type attribute
on an XML element declared in the corresponding schema (3.6)
EXAMPLE adjective.
[SOURCE: ISO 30042:2019, 3.10]
3.2
DCT
data category as tag
style of representing TBX data whereby most data categories are expressed as XML generic identifiers
EXAMPLE adjective.
[SOURCE: ISO 30042:2019, 3.11]

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