Final answer:
XKMS (XML Key Management Specification) is the specification designed to allow XML-based programs to integrate with Public Key Infrastructure services, offering an abstraction layer for PKI functions like digital signature verification and encryption. so, option A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The set of specifications designed to allow XML-based programs to access Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) services is known as XKMS, which stands for XML Key Management Specification. XKMS handles the distribution and registration of public keys, enabling users to integrate PKI functions such as digital signature verification and encryption into their applications without needing deep knowledge of PKI itself.
XKMS is part of a suite of standards aimed at improving the interoperability and management of PKI through the use of XML. It abstracts the details of the underlying PKI technology, making it easier for applications to use PKI without dealing with the complexities often associated with these services. The XKMS specification includes two main parts: the XML Key Information Service Specification (X-KISS) and the XML Key Registration Service Specification (X-KRSS).