Extensible Markup Language (XML) based analysis and comparison of heterogeneous databases

摘要

This thesis describes an Extensible Markup Language (XML) based analysis and comparison method that could be used to identity equivalent components of heterogeneous databases. In the Department of Defense there currently exist multiple databases required to support command and control of some portion of the battlefield force. Interoperability between forces will become crucial as the force structure continues to be reduced. This interoperability will be facilitated through the integration of these command and control databases into a singular joint database or by developing inter- communication schema to support inter-database communications. The first step in either of these alternatives is the identification of equivalent components among the multiple databases. This thesis describes how XML can be used to facilitate the process of analyzing and comparing multiple databases. Each step of the process is described in detail accompanied by explanations of the XML tools/resources required to execute the step and rationale of why the step is necessary. Detailed graphics and examples are employed to simplify and justify the step by step explanations. The JavaScript code developed as part of the research to execute the XML based analysis is included. This thesis concludes with discussions of the overall value of this XML based analysis and comparison process and of potential future work, that could be pursued to further exploit this XML analysis and comparison method.