1. W3C XML Schema Design: Modelling XML Vocabularies with UML (Unified Modelling Language)

2. OASIS UBL NDR 2.0 and 2.1

Two recent, exciting developments make it possible to implement your enterprise data model (AKA as canonical model, semantic model or enterprise message model EMM) as a MXV W3C XML Schema library (AKA XML vocabulary, XML taxonomy or XML ontology):

• OASIS UBL NDR 2.0 and 2.1

• Tool support for integrating W3C XML Schema and UML models

OASIS is the Organisation for Advancement of Structured Information Standards, and has defined the Universal Business Language (UBL). UBL comes with its own methodology and design standard, the UBL Naming and Design Rules (originally UBL NDR 2.0.)

UBL NDR 2.0 is superseded by UBL NDR 2.1 (*), which is being finalised by OASIS as of November 2012, providing a number of backward compatible improvements. For details see MXV NDR 2.1.

The UBL NDR methodology can be adopted and adapted for non-UBL data models, to implement your very own enterprise data model (AKA canonical data model, taxonomy or semantic model) as W3C XML Schema library. A W3C XML Schema library defines reusable XML components, and enforces standardised W3C XML Schemas and messages. At last there is a methodology and design standard to derive your XML taxonomy, using your very own enterprise data model. 

Does this mean a long waterfall development process is inevitable? Absolutely not. MXV is equally suited for an evolutionary agile development process.

For an introduction on the UML to W3C XML Schema transition, view the narrated presentation MXV From UML data model to W3C XML Schema Library using UBL NDR 2.0 or 2.1 v0.5.pps (15 minutes viewing time). These Powerpoint slides were presented at the New Zealand State Services Commission on April 2 2009, when government ICT representatives met.

The OASIS UBL NDR methodology can be applied manually to a non-UBL data model, but for larger data models this becomes a rather onerous and error-prone task. A state-of-the-art modelling tool suite can make this much easier by supporting:

• UML modelling

• W3C XML Schema modelling

• XML-to-UML mapping

• Customisable and automated NDR compliance checks

• Customisable and NDR compliant W3C XML Schema generation

• Tool-controlled XML governance

• Usage reports / Impact Analysis from UML to XML

• Version Management

• Model Repository for concurrent modelling

• Optional integration of XML Value Validation using OASIS Genericode, OASIS Context Value Association and ISO Schematron

Data Management Solutions can provide:

• Practical experience and consulting services in implementing an adaptation of OASIS UBL NDR for your non-UBL business context
• Advice and customisation services for supporting modelling tools, including the MXV Productivity Tools:

• UML and XML meta model extensions catering for your semantic enterprise model
• Automated model checks validating UBL NDR 2.1 (*) compliance (W3C XML Schema governance)
• Customised code generator output for UBL NDR 2.1 (*) compliant W3C XML Schema and skeletons of OASIS Genericode and Context Value Association
• Automation support for the UML and XML model integration and model management
• Automatically and iteratively populate the W3C XML Library Schema models with UML model objects
• Create a new W3C XML document Schema model using the chosen set of library schema versions
• Create a new Genericode code list version from an existing Genericode file
• Create a new Context Value Association file version whilst retaining the preceding version's ValueTests, ValueLists and Contexts
• Create a new ISO Schematron Business Constraints file version whilst retaining the preceding version's custom Patterns and Rules
• Migrate draft W3C XML Schema and Value Validation artefacts to specification status
• Automatically create a shippable delivery package containing W3C XML Schemas, documentation and related Value Validation files
• Clone W3C XML Schema Views
• Move W3C XML Schema Views from Document Schema model to CAC Library model
• Move W3C XML Schema Views from Extension Model to Master Model
• Move UML model objects from Extension Model to Master Model

For details, see the animated, narrated MXV Demo Video or the ready to print documented MXV example Model-driven Semantic Interoperability Using Open Standards - An Example (1.5MB pdf file)

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(*) UBL NDR 2.1: Please note that as of November 2012 the UBL NDR 2.1 document has not been published yet. At this stage, MXV emulates UBL NDR 2.1. A detailed comparison of UBL NDR 2.1 rules against MXV will be made available once the UBL NDR 2.1 document has been finalised.