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DataDirect Technologies Introduces jXTransformer® for Transforming Data Between Relational and XML Formats

New tool provides simple approach for creating XML from relational data and updating any relational database with XML input

DataDirect jXTransformer is an XML software component that saves time and removes complexity by providing a simple, consistent approach to creating XML from any relational database or updating any relational database from an XML input. While database vendors' proprietary tools require specialized knowledge about complex XML extensions that work only on a single database, DataDirect jXTransformer enables architects and developers to write XML code once that works across multiple relational databases and with older versions of individual databases. jXTransformer is used by developers writing internal applications and by software vendors who embed the technology into commercial software products.

According to industry analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC), XML is recognized as a de facto standard in B2B integration, and in the next five years XML servers will become more important due to their ability to facilitate application integration for ebusiness platform adoption. "IDC expects XML-enabled database management system (DBMS) vendors to maintain rapid growth, with relational database management systems (RDBMS) emerging as the dominant market area for XML servers by 2005," said Susan Funke, research manager for IDC's Information and Data Management service1.

Enterprises are implementing XML because it holds the promise of interfacing to critical data, regardless of where the data is stored. As XML emerges as the dominant technology for sharing information on the Web, IT organizations will be faced with the need to transform data from their existing relational databases to XML, and back again. To ease integration issues, organizations are seeking consistent support across multiple relational databases. However, major database providers such as IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle have yet to agree on a consistent approach to XML implementation, each offering their own proprietary XML extensions.

"There are trillions of bytes of data stored in relational databases. This data must be converted to XML for use and distribution on the Web," said Edward Peters, president and CEO of DataDirect Technologies. "With the use of XML proliferating and a lack of portable ways to create and update XML across databases, there is a growing need for a tool like DataDirect jXTransformer that provides consistent, reliable functionality across multiple enterprise data sources."

Because DataDirect jXTransformer uses an API for data access and does not require any database changes, it offers more flexibility than proprietary database XML extensions, many of which require creating new relational objects and stored procedures. "With DataDirect jXTransformer, developers can use existing stored procedures, reports, and queries without changing anything in the database," said Jonathan Robie, XML Architect for DataDirect Technologies who has been involved with the creation and editing of key XML standards, including XQuery. He added, "DataDirect jXTransformer is very easy to learn, because the queries are a straightforward extension of SQL. And DataDirect jXTransformer queries are consistent across databases, so developers can write XML applications that run on multiple relational databases."

DataDirect Technologies is committed to providing industry-leading, standards-based technology, and is a member of standards bodies such as ANSI and W3C, helping to evolve standards around XML and data. DataDirect jXTransformer adheres to ANSI SQL and W3C protocols, and leverages DataDirect Technologies' industry leading DataDirect Connect® for JDBC® drivers.

About DataDirect Technologies, Inc.
DataDirect Technologies is the leading provider of components for connecting software to data, providing standards-based technology that ensures consistent behavior and performance across diverse environments such as J2EE, .NET, Web, and client/server. With the most comprehensive support for ODBC, JDBC, ADO and XML, DataDirect Technologies helps developers bring software to market faster by speeding development, integration and deployment. No matter what the standard, platform, or data source, DataDirect Technologies ensures the easiest experience connecting software to data.
datadirect-technologies.com.

1 "XML Recognized as De Facto Standard in B2B Integration, According to IDC" press release issued Jan. 7, 2002 DataDirect Connect is a registered trademark of DataDirect Technologies. Java and JDBC are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. DataDirect Technologies is independent of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.