Additional XML tools and programs

XML Enabler

The XML Enabler is a servlet that developers can use with the XSL Processor for Java to put stylesheets in effect in real time. When any browser sends a request to the servlet, it responds with data that it formats using XSL stylesheets configured for specific browser types. In this way, the XML Enabler allows any user of any browser to view and use XML data.

Any browser means just that. You do not need an XML-enabled browser because the servlet takes care of that by using XML and XSL technology combined with the information in the HTTP header. After the system administrator defines the mapping between browser types and XSL stylesheets, the servlet does the remaining.

When an HTTP request comes in to the XML Enabler, the following actions occur:

1. The XML Enabler gets the XML document requested by the client (the Web address of that document is passed as a parameter on the Web address).
2. The XML Enabler then looks at the client type, using the user-agent field of the HTTP header, and selects an XSL style sheet. The style sheet selected for each user-agent type is defined by the developer.
3. After the XML document and the XSL style sheet are selected, the XSL Processor for Java combines them, and the servlet returns the output to the client.

TaskGuide Viewer

TaskGuide Viewer is an XML-based tool for creating wizards that makes building and displaying wizards as easy as creating and viewing HTML files. After you create a wizard script, the TaskGuide Viewer displays the specified panels and follows your instructions.

The TaskGuide Viewer enables you to focus on task content rather than design elements. It offers usability-tested screen layout and navigation options that eliminate the most difficult parts of building wizards: screen layout, navigation, and data management.

For more information, see the TaskGuide Viewer information at the IBM alphaWorks^® Web site.

Xeena

Xeena is a visual XML editor that enables you to visually edit valid XML documents derived from a valid DTD. It is a Java application built on top of Swing and XML Parser for Java.

Use a hierarchical tree view to create, edit, and expand any document derived from a valid DTD. You can edit multiple XML documents and copy, cut and paste from one document into another.

A key feature of Xeena is its syntax-directed editing ability, which ensures that all documents generated are valid with respect to the given DTD. Xeena also helps you insert elements into the tree correctly (with respect to the DTD) by being sensitive to the current selected tree node and refusing to allow you to insert elements in an incorrect order.

For more information, see the Xeena information on the IBM alphaWorks Web site.

IBM Toolbox for Java (ReportWriter classes)

IBM Toolbox for Java is a set of Java classes that allow you to use Java programs to access data on your servers. You can use these classes to write client/server applications, applets, and servlets that work with data on your server. The IBM Toolbox for Java includes a reportwriter package containing classes that enable your applications to work with XML data.

The ReportWriter classes allow your applications to create formatted documents from XML data sources. Your application defines the document format (layout) by using XSL stylesheets in combination with XSL Formatting Objects and the XML data sources. With ReportWriter classes you can generate documents in the Hewlett Packard Printer Control Language (PCL) format and the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).

For more information, see the ReportWriter classes in IBM Toolbox for Java.

DB2^® XML Extender

The DB2 XML Extender is a licensed program that provides data types that you can store XML documents in DB2 UDB for iSeries databases and functions that assist you in working with these structured documents.

You can store entire XML documents in DB2 UDB databases as character data or store them as external files but still manage them by using DB2 UDB. Retrieval functions allow you to retrieve either the entire XML document or individual elements or attributes.

Other features include:

• The ability to extract XML elements and attributes into traditional SQL data types
• The ability to transform existing DB2 UDB data into XML documents
• Storage, retrieval, and updates of XML documents in a single column
• Storage of XML documents as a collection of DB2 UDB data in multiple columns and tables
• DTD management
• Support for international code pages

For more information, see the DB2 XML Extender site.

IBM WebSphere^® Host Access Transformation Services

Through its XML gateway, WebSphere Host Access Transformation Services provides access to existing 3270 and 5250 applications in an XML format for use within e-business applications.

Additionally, the HTML mapper capability provides an install-and-go HTML entry-level emulator for 3270 or 5250 application access. Without customization, existing 3270 and 5250 applications can be extended as HTML to Web users. This capability is targeted at users who need occasional access to the host application and do not yet have desktops enabled for Java applications.

For more information, see the IBM WebSphere Host Access Transformation Services Web site.