1.1 What is WITSML?

WITSML is data exchange standard for specifying and exchanging data for wells and well-related operations and objects, such as drilling, logging and mud logging. The initial focus of WITSML was for the right-time, seamless flow of well data between operators and service companies to speed and enhance decision making. While this is still a key goal, use of WITSML has expanded, for example, some operators use if for interoperability among their systems.

WITSML has been developed by a global consortium of operators, service companies, software vendors, and government agencies under the umbrella of Energistics.

Beginning with v2.0, WITSML leverages the Energistics Common Technical Architecture (CTA), which delivers a common technology foundation for the Energistics domain standards—which includes WITSML, PRODML, and RESQML. This common architecture makes it easier for companies to implement the standards. It also makes it easier to share data “across” the standards. For example, RESQML and PRODML can leverage well data in WITSML.

The last published version of WITSML, v1.4.1.1, specified a set of 27 data object definitions and a Web services specification.

In v2.0, main changes include:

• A revised set of data objects. For a list, see Table 1.4.4-1 .

• Replacement of the Web services with the Energistics Transfer Protocol (ETP), which is part of the Energistics CTA.

This guide describes each WITSML data object, including its business use and an overview of its design.