Real-time, bi-directional XML-RDB transformation Java middleware


Allora can generate XML from any database and write XML element and attribute values into any database. It is an XML database mapping platform that consists of:

  • (1) design-time tools for mapping XML to relational data or text;
  • (2) wizard support for popular application servers and IDE tools;
  • (3) a rich set of application programming interfaces to the Allora run-time engine;
  • (4) a Workflow Manager tool to organize and execute a set of transformation tasks with associated XML file manipulation;
  • (5) a set of SOAP interfaces to the Allora web service engine for building distributed applications; and
  • (6) a database connector for Funambol Mobile Application Server (Sync4j).

    • Allora works with any relational database that has a JDBC or ODBC connector. Allora has been certified to work well with over 20 different databases. Allora bi-directionally transforms XML and data stored in relational databases such as DB2, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Informix, Ingres, IDMS, Datacom, ANTs, MaxDB, Sybase.

    Allora speeds development and deployment of applications involving XML-RDB/text applications by accurately and transparently transforming data structures between XML elements/attributes and relational database structures or text. Once Allora mapping is in place, full bi-directional XML-RDB access is enabled. Allora XML database transformation gives developers a simplified, consistent XML interface to relational data.

    Allora's design-time components for data transformation include a graphical Mapper application, source code wizards, object interfaces, and sample source code. The design-time graphical Mapper application lets developers simultaneously see DTDs or XML schemas and database catalog structures. Also, the Mapper can automatically create XML schemas from relational databases and vice versa. Using the mapping files generated by the Mapper, developers can request data specifying XML structures rather than database structures or SQL. These mapping files are passed to Allora's interfaces by calling applications.

    Allora offers a rich, flexible set of interfaces. Developers can refer to data by XML element/attribute references, including XPATH, or by RDB catalog structures. Similarly, they can exercise XML element/subelement methods or specify record/field SQL commands. The Allora OVLT API optimizes import and export of data within very large tables and XML documents. This API increases performance by an order of magnitude while minimizing local and database server resource requirements. Allora manages all SQL middleware connection processes for efficient and proper database interaction and data integration.

    Allora's data binding object interfaces enable developers to create objects that represent database records. Data binding includes methods to iterate through records sequentially, yet retaining the XML formatting structures.

    For maximum data access flexibility, Allora can also be implemented as a full-function SOAP-based web service for remote applications. Allora web service supports two client access modes: a SOAP interface mode and a higher level remote API mode.

    Allora is currently certified to work with ACORD, AgXML, Bioml, CellML, CIDX, CXML, FpML, HL7, HR-XML, IFX, JusticeXML, LegalXML, MpXML, MISMO, OFX, PIDX, RosettaNet, UCCnet, VoiceXML, XBRL.