Each XML communication with the BadgeBuilder® XML server must include an access key. BadgeBuilder® starts off with a default key but this can be changed via bb32.ini settings.
The XML client DLL has the default key built into it and also provides a call to change it to match any custom key defined in bb32.ini.
When the server and client are on the same computer the key serves little useful purpose. But when the client is remote from the server it provides a degree of control over who has access to the XML interface.