This discussion of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) for alleviating information overload in the enterprise 'introduces RSS and looks at some ways companies are using it in the enterprise.' RSS, says Chris Pirillo, operator of the Lockergnome RSS Resource, is an XML specification that describes how to display content (or a feed) in a software module called a news aggregator. Content providers write their feeds based on the RSS specification so that people can subscribe to the feed using news aggregation software. News aggregators are various, and include desktop clients, Web-based services, and one that works inside Microsoft Outlook. Each news aggregator may have a different technique, but all provide a way to subscribe to a content source and to organize and view feeds. Rather than seeing an entire article, a headline and a summary are shown. The user can swiftly scan information and click through to the source Web site to read the whole article or only specific items wanted. With RSS, enterprises give knowledge workers tools for gathering information more efficiently, because multiple sites need not be visited. RSS has a relatively simple implementation path for technical workers, says a spokesperson for UserLand, and mid-level IT staffers will have no difficulty implementing RSS. RSS can be used with keyword searches to ensure that portals have the most recent and relevant news. With RSS, organizations can replace other subscription models, including e-mail newsletters, and also can distribute information to parties outside the firewall who want subscriptions.