XML Codeless Data Integration and Synchronization

XML data (from files or HTTP web requests) can be integrated and synchronized codeless with various other data sources using the Layer2 Cloud Connector via the Layer2 Data Provider for XML. Please take a look here for supported systems and applications.

To connect to XML data the data source entity must be configured as follows in the Layer2 Cloud Connector Connection Manager:

Fig.: Sample connection configuration to connect to Visual Studio Team Foundation Server data.

XML Specific Configuration Settings

Please note the following specific settings.

• Select the Layer2 Data Provider for XML to connect. The provider is part of the Layer2 Cloud Connector ADO.NET provider package and should be already installed. You will find a Layer2 Data Provider for XML specification here.
• You can use a connection string like this to connect:
  url=http://www.w3schools.com/xml/cd_catalog.xml
• Several different authentication methods are generally supported. See provider specification linked above for more.
• For the select statement, you can make use of XPath to query your data as supported by the data provider and source system. For more information about XPath, see the Layer2 Data Provider for XML specification.
• You can map your data fields to specific external fields in the Layer2 Cloud Connector. Please take care about data types (simple type conversions are supported).
• Please enter an appropriate primary key (column with unique values - Title in this example), depending on query (see data preview for this).
• The data provider supports read-only, no write support to the XML data source.
• Data synchronization can be started manually in the Connection Manager, per command line or scheduled in background by the Layer2 Cloud Connector Windows Service. Only data changes are processed (no delete / bulk import).
• No programming required for setup a connection and sync.
• No need to open your local network for access from outside.

Step-by-Step Intros For XML Integration and Synchronization Scenarios

​The following step-by-step intros are available:

• How to connect and sync XML data with Microsoft SharePoint or Office 365

Just some other ideas:

• Export XML from any enterprise system, e.g. ERP/CRM/CMS or database to connect to almost any other system.
• Sync with local SQL or SQL Azure for better reporting.
• Sync with Microsoft Exchange (on-premises or online) for notifications, tasks, calendar events, mobile access and offline availability on any device.
• Sync with 3rd party tools based on SQL databases like Oracle, mySQL or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Sync with Microsoft SharePoint or Office 365 for better collaboration (for example with customers or partners) or for intranet publishing.

Do you already have implemented any specific scenario? Just let us know to add it here. Can't find what you are looking for? Please contact [email protected] for help.

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