An Extensible Markup Language (XML) based storage handling controller for a storage medium is provided. The XML based storage handling controller includes storage handling firmware that is in communication with a storage medium. The storage handling firmware is capable of receiving and generating XML based data, which is utilized for configuring the storage handling firmware. In addition, a basic input out input output system (BIOS) is included that is in communication with the storage handling firmware. The BIOS includes a browser capable of presenting XML based data. The browser can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that can be used to provide configuration commands to the storage handling firmware.