XML- New meta language in e-business

Transcription

1 1 XML- New meta language in e-business XML (extensible Markup Language) has established itself as a new meta language in e-business. No matter what, text, pictures, video- or audio files - with the flexibility of this universal data standard, users can exchange any kind of information between different operating systems and across different hardware platforms. New XML based applications offer companies the strategic chance to design it's business processes more efficient. With the use of XML, data can be stored and used independent from it's application. In this way companies are able to exchange data to clients, employees or partners very efficiently. Mapping Information is the key to success in business. Information is stored as data in a specific file format that can be processed with existing applications. With the introduction of new systems it is often necessary to convert the existing data.. To store or create XML data in/from a persistent layer, the existence of a specific mapping-code is mandatory. Mapping is the creation of transformation logic to covert source data into target data. nterra offers professional assistance for the conversion of your data. We have the experience and the tools to fulfill this task secure, fast and costeffective. The technical aspects of XML Like HTML, XML uses tags and attributes. While HTML only defines the presentation in the browser, XML uses tags to define the data and leaves the data processing to its application.

2 2 Syntax, structure and meaning of tags are defined by DTD or schemas for each XML application individually. A DTD describes the structure of a class of XML documents including all syntax rules. For example every HTML version is defined by a DTD. Alternatively you can use a scheme. Very similar to DTD, a Scheme describes the structures of a class in XML documents but in its own extended XML syntax. "Parsing" of documents XML documents are processed using XML parsers with DOM (Document Object Model) or SAX (Simple API for XML). A XML parser is an application that reads XML files and turns the content into DOM or SAX. Additionally a validated parser verifies the data using the DTD or the scheme. DOM is an object model. It describes all elements of a document for a specific XML-Application as objects for processing with an object-oriented programming language like JAVA. DOM transfers the whole tree structure of a XML document and is therefore not suitable for very large XML files. SAX is an application programmers interface for processing a class of XML documents with the use of an object orientated programming language like Java. SAX transfers the XML elements sequentially and is therefore suitable to handle even very large XML files. Extensible Style Sheets The way elements should be displayed is defined by XSL (Extensible Stylesheet Language) or CSS(cascading style sheet). With XSL a style sheet is defined that tells the Web-Browser or other applications how to present the data of an XML document. CSS, defined by W3C consortium, is a simple format for style sheets displaying HTML and XML documents. XSL is more powerful than CSS. With XSLT (Transformation) you can create a new XML file from an existing one, you can delete certain elements, change the sequence of elements or even add new elements for example. With XSL-FO (Formatting) the display's layout can be defined. XML documents can contain Hypertext links as HTML files.

3 3 Standardisation initiatives In order to push the XML-standardisation in the different fields of e- Business, information and content exchange initiatives have been established. The most important are: Ariba Since 1999 Ariba uses cxml (Commerce XML) as Open Internet Standard for e-commerce. cxml was designed on W3C standard in cooperation with over 40 companies. Microsoft integrated cxml in their BizTalk framework as a standard of B2B-e-Commerce to define communication schemes for transactions in the catalog and order section. cxml supports all commerce applications like content management systems or electronic marketplaces. BizTalk.com BizTalk was initiated by Microsoft and is supported by companies like SAP or Siemens in Germany. Microsoft sees BizTalk as a crosssection technology for all e-business for the overall product portfolio based on XML. BizTalk consist of two components: one is the framework for business XML documents, the other one is the BizTalk- Server processing these documents. Commerce One Commerce One's XML technology and tools are ideal for trading partners and Internet market makers who want to accelerate trading through B2B-e-Commerce. The new XML-based transaction platform enables heterogeneous systems to communicate and allows different portals to interoperate and connect to the Commerce One Global Trading Web. Commerce One uses cxml (Commerce XML) based on the XML standard. cxml cxml (Commerce XML) is very different from most other electronic business protocols. cxml is a streamlined protocol intended for consistent communication of business documents between procurement applications, e-commerce hubs and suppliers.

4 4 The protocol does not include the full breadth of interactions some parties may wish to communicate. However, through the use of Extrinsic elements and newly-defined domains for various identifiers, it is easily expanded by such applications. The current standard includes documents for setup (company details and transaction profiles), catalogue content, application integration, create, change and delete purchase orders and responses to all these requests, order confirmation, ship notice documents and new invoice documents. ebxml ebxml's (electronic business XML) mission is to provide an open XML-based infrastructure enabling the global use of electronic business information in an interoperable, secure and consistent manner by all parties. ebxml, sponsored by UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) and OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards), is a modular suite of specifications that enables enterprises of any size and in any geographical location to conduct business over the Internet. Using ebxml, companies now have a standard method to exchange business messages, conduct trading relationships, communicate data in common terms and define and register business processes. FinXML FinXML (finance XML) is an XML (extensible Markup Language) based framework developed to support a single universal standard for data interchange within the Capital Markets. FinXML acts as a common standard for cross application information exchange, allowing a financial institution or other organization to communicate details of highly structured financial transactions in electronic form. The FinXML consortium is responsible for the definition and dissemination of the FinXML specification and related vocabularies. The consortium is made up by financial institutions, technology vendors, system integrators and others involved in the Capital Markets. The consortium web site is the place to go for to find information about FinXML and related subjects such as news and events, solutions and developer resources. The vocabularies in FinXML are based on the standards defined by ISDA (International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.). FinXML is interoperable with existing financial protocols such as FIX and S.W.I.F.T. In addition, FinXML is compatible with outside industry standards such as BizTalk and cxml that support e-commerce and EDI.

5 5 HL7-Health Level Seven HL7 (Health Level Seven) is one of several ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) operating in the healthcare arena. Most SDOs produce standards (sometimes called specifications or protocols) for a particular healthcare domain such as pharmacy, medical devices or insurance (claims processing) transactions. Health Level Seven s domain is clinical and administrative data. RosettaNet Initiated by more than 40 leading companies in IT, RosettaNet was developed as an XML-framework. This framework consists of different levels not only defining message types for business transactions, but defining the workflow as well as the rules for these transaction. RosettaNet is seen to be the basis for adoption of business processes. W3C W3C's mission is to lead the Web to its full potential by developing technologies (specifications, guidelines, software and tools) that will create a forum for information, commerce, inspiration, independent thought and collective understanding. xcbl xcbl (XML Common Business Library) was originally designed by VeoSystems in 1997, since 1999 xcbl is developed by Commerce One. The current version 3.0 is able to transfer business data via Internet, e.g. productdata, purchase order, delivery schedule and accounts. The whole business of classic EDI is covered by these functions. xml.org Introduced in June 1999 by OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) to help minimizing overlap and duplication in XML languages and standard initiatives by providing public access to XML information in a centralized XML repository. Through its evolution, XML.org has emerged as a comprehensive XML in Industry portal and as a valuable public resource and clearinghouse of XML-based information for the XML business community.

6 6 nterra integration succeeds nterra stands for integration. As a strategic partner for companies intending to benefit from the full potential of the Internet, we can offer to you complex and logical strategies in the field of Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), from providing strategic consulting and planning services to overseeing the projects after their implementation. Irrespective whether you take part in the supply chain as a large industrial company, as a medium-sized firm or as a small entrepreneur, we have the efficient solution for you, if you are interested in linking up the processes within your company and with those of your business partners. Do pay us a visit under or send us an to sales@nterra.com. Im Leuschnerpark 3 D Griesheim Telefon +49 (0) / Telefax +49 (0) / sales@nterra.com