About XML
The 'eXtensible Mark-up Language' (XML) is a standard way to package data, that is fully specified by the user's application.
CCS uses XML to store data and connect multiple software systems that each can read and write a standard XML schema. By using XML, the data sources and handlers can easily send and receive information with each other. In addition, since XML is based on a text stream, it can easily pass through a firewall or Web server without the need for additional proxy modules or handler programs.
About Schemas, Stylesheets, Transforms
We developed an 'Enterprise Application Integration' (EIA) system that used XML messages to communicate with various systems. The messages were easily validated and tested using a standard set of XML schemas, stylesheets and transformations to handle various XML message types. As the scope of the EIA system changes, we could easily add another XML schema definition. This provided expansion of the system within days instead of weeks of implementation and testing effort. The validating XML parser would automatically apply the schema rules to check for syntax and semantic problems with the specific enterprise adapter module.
About SOAP, Web Services
Another elegant application of XML is using it to connect programmed objects in a distributed environment. The 'Simplified Object Access Protocol' (SOAP) allows different programs to send messages (call each other, like a sub-routine) using any network delivery transport mechanism like HTTP, FTP, raw network sockets, or even e-mail. This allows e-business mechanisms to be implemented and shared across a secured network. The EIA application developed by CCS also employed limited use of SOAP services. Similar support is found with 'Web Services' (WS).
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