How Does the CatXML Approach Relate to ebXML?

The CatXML model aligns very well with ebXML. CatXML provides an open global system that allows a broad range of systems to interface with the CatXML server. The XML information contained in CatXML format should also allow querying or sending systems to consistently interpret the business information. By using the ebXML specifications, the original CatXML catalog XML formats have been upgraded to include the unique identifier (UID) referencing system that ebXML prescribes. By following the ebXML specifications, the associated ebXML registry can supply the precise business information and data formats to a company needing specific details that CatXML data records contain.

Another feature of ebXML is its ability to provide a single consistent transport layer, through its messaging specifications. Clearly, the CatXML server needs to speak to the world in a simple and open way so that a wide variety of systems can easily reach the information that the server provides. The ebXML specifications adopted the XML-based Simple Object

Access Protocol (SOAP) syntax for these messaging functions. Figure 9.2 shows the structure of the SOAP interchange header used by CatXML. This messaging example illustrates how the sender and receiver are identified, the quality of service levels used between them, and the message data type exchanged. SOAP is designed to be lightweight where appropriate and not overly burden the sender and receiver with technical requirements. Further examples of the message headers and other SOAP details can be downloaded from the CatXML web site (www.catxml.org), along with associated technical documentation.

Figure 9.2. SOAP messaging envelope for referencing the CatXML server. (Screen shot provided by XML Spy , ver. 3.5.)