New XQuery version aids the dev of diverse data -- ADTmag

New XQuery version aids the dev of diverse data

By ADT Staff
June 28, 2006

Developers seeking to support a combination of data formats won’t have to look beyond the latest version of XQuery software. Version 2.0 includes enhancements and new features that will optimize the deployment and integration of XML, relational and legacy data.

DataDirect Technologies announced the software this week, claiming to be the industry’s only embedded database-independent system for processing and incorporating XML, relational and legacy data formats like EDI and CSV. XQuery 2.0 also enables the integration of XML data, Web services, XML Web sites and XML publishing, increasing the software’s role in service-oriented data integration.

Gevity, a provider of HR management solutions, wasted little time in utilizing the tool. The group used XQuery to support the dev of a new customized pricing engine, which required their developers to combine Web services from SalesForce.com with relational data in Oracle databases, integrated with an XML-based user interface.

“We sought a technology to work with relational and XML data that would be easy for developers to learn and use, comply with architecture requirements and deliver strong performance metrics,” Madhavan Rangarajan, Java architect for Gevity, Bradenton, Fla. said in a statement. “Now, the Gevity sales force can price product proposals in real-time for competitive advantage, superior sales service levels and revenue gain.”

Key upgrades to 2.0 include extended database support for Oracle 10gR2, Sybase 15 and Mircrosoft SQL Server 2005. It also integrates with Stylus Studio XML Deployment Adapters, allowing developers to use XQuery to integrate data sources unrelated to XML or relational data. Improved scalability also enables developers to build high-performing apps at a more rapid rate.

According to Jonathan Robie, XQuery technology lead for DataDirect, version 2.0 brings an accelerated XML process and data integration process to developers. “Its simple, extensible and standards-based design lets it plug into any Java architecture, providing support for all major relational databases and most popular Java XML APIs.”

XQuery 2.0 is available now.