migrate from EDI to XML
course overview
XML has rapidly overtaken EDI as the standard form to markup and exchange data. However many of the problems encountered in EDI systems have not disappeared; and migrating from EDI to XML also poses its own problems. XML is a very simple language which is one of the reasons why the uptake has been so sharp. XML also works over the Internet instead of expensive VANs. The real benefit that XML has over EDI (the one that guarantees it as successor) is that it is extensible. Instead of trying to cover all possibilities, you can leave your options open. This course shows how you can use modelling to overcome XML' s semantic short-fallings. It also shows you how to use XML to create schemas, and most importantly, how to design schemas that leave volatile parts open to extension and change.
Duration: 1 day
objectives
- use basic UML (Unified modelling Language) to migrate from EDI to XML
- overcome semantic problems through precision in the models
- learn all the necessary technical detail about XML, required to make the migration
- practice techniques to model flexible schemas
- implement an XML schemas, then extend it
target audience
The course is suitable for anyone, although a knowledge of UML would be beneficial.
course syllabus
XML syntax and semantics
- mark up: structure implicit (eg HTML)
- XML records structure: formatting deduced
- strict rules
- XML syntax
- XML schemas: the semantics defined
- valid and correct XML
- names vs attributes
- declarations
- object trees and data serialization.
- Unicode — how is it actually sent
- entities — macro behaviour (general/parameters, internal/external, parsed/unparsed)
- processing instructions — attach stylesheets (covered in detail later)
Business modelling and UML basics
- static models
- objects, types, attributes, snapshots
- subtypes
- dynamics
- use-cases and tasks
- event charts
- state charts
- building a business model
- finding use-cases
- the dictionary - UML notation review
- uses of business model
- documentation style
- post-conditions
Working example of migration from EDI to XML
XML standards and current issues
- BizTalk
- Commercial XML (cXML) from Ariba
- e-business XML (ebXML), open source project
- Apache Cocoon — future XSP technology
- Advancements on DTD as form for XML schemas
- XML optimization
- object model mapping (covered in detail later)
further information
course instructor
The course is presented by one of our senior consultants, each of whom has at least ten years' experience in software development, and at least three years' experience as a trainer and consultant in a diverse range of application areas.