MITS is an industry-wide effort by the apartment sector to develop a common data standard and extensible mark-up language (XML) protocol to facilitate data and systems integration. When completed, the MITS standard will be voluntary and freely available as an industry resource. MITS is funded and sponsored by a broad group of industry firms and is supported by the National Multi Housing Council and national outreach partner the National Apartment Association. Participation is welcomed and encouraged by all interested parties.