XML Development

XML has been a central standard for structured and exchangeable data for many years. Whether in regulated industries, technical systems, or business-critical processes, XML enables complex data models, unambiguous validation, long-term stability, and a clean separation of content, structure, and presentation. In XML development, this results in reliable interfaces and traceable data flows for XML data integration.

Our XML solutions are used wherever data needs to be modeled, transformed, exchanged, or integrated into systems in a reliable way. With deep expertise in XML technologies and many years of experience with Altova tools, we develop robust and scalable integration solutions for any environment.

Illustration of detective Comeli in front of a city map – symbolizing structured XML development and analysis of complex data models.

Services

Comeli with gears labeled XSLT, XQuery, and XPath – representing XSLT transformation and XML Schema (XSD) creation.

We provide comprehensive support across all phases of XML projects—from analysis to production implementation:

  • Analysis and design of XML data models and schemas (XSD)
  • Implementation of XML transformation processes with XSLT and XQuery
  • Document generation with XSL-FO (PDF, RTF, accessible documents)
  • Development of ETL processes based on Altova MapForce
  • Conversion between XML, EDIFACT, JSON, XBRL, and SQL
  • Creation of report and document templates with Altova StyleVision
  • Training and workshops on XML, XSD, XSLT, XSL-FO, XQuery, and Altova tools
  • Migration of existing XML processes into modern architectures

Integrating XML into databases

Comeli at a whiteboard explaining XML integration into databases – XML integration in SQL Server and relational mapping processes.

We integrate XML data—both large files and real-time data via APIs—into relational systems. In many projects, the goal is to integrate XML into SQL Server without losing validation and traceability.

  • Storing XML in XML or VARIANT columns
  • Using XQuery in SQL Server and Oracle
  • Mapping between relational databases and XML
  • Implementation of loading and validation processes
  • Performance optimization for large XML datasets
  • Design of database-near XML interfaces

Technologies and expertise

We work with a broad range of XML technologies—from established standards to modern transformation and query tooling.

Technical illustration representing XML data integration and modeling of complex XML architectures.

XML and XML Schema (XSD)

  • Modeling complex data structures
  • Document validation in regulated industries
  • Creation of business and technical schemas
  • Version management and governance for XML standards

XSLT (1.0 / 2.0 / 3.0)

  • Transforming XML into XML, HTML, JSON, text, and other target formats
  • Implementing business logic in transformation processes
  • Performance optimization for large transformation pipelines

XSL-FO – professional document generation

  • Creating PDF, RTF, or print-ready documents from XML
  • Corporate-design compliance through templates
  • Well suited for invoices, reports, forms, or official documents

Altova products

We are an Altova partner and use tools from the Design Suite:

  • Support for EDIFACT, XBRL, JSON, and more
  • XMLSpy for XML schema design, validation, and development
  • MapForce for ETL/mappings between XML, SQL, JSON, EDIFACT, and many other formats
  • StyleVision for creating formatted documents from XML, including PDF and HTML

References

Since 2000, we have used XML technologies across various programming languages, databases, and scenarios.

Network symbol image – representing stable XML data integration and long-term XML development in enterprise systems.

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Creation of documents and information letters for insurance contracts using database data and Altova StyleVision.

Insurance company, Vienna

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Publication of books on XML, XML Schema, XSLT, XSL-FO, and integrating XML into databases such as MS SQL Server and Oracle.

Comelio Medien, mitp, Rheinwerk

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Generation of product data sheets using XSL-FO with relational input data and additional XML information.

Manufacturer, Stuttgart

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Support for modeling XML Schema documents and integrating XML validation into databases and custom software.

Various companies in the DACH region

Frequently Asked Questions about XML Development

In this FAQ you will find the topics that come up most frequently in consulting and training. Each answer is concise and refers to further content where appropriate. Is your question missing? Feel free to contact us.

Comeli dragon leans against a “FAQ” sign and answers questions about XML Development.

What does professional XML development include?

XML development includes modeling data structures (XSD), implementing transformation processes (XSLT, XQuery), document generation (XSL-FO), and integrating XML into existing system and database architectures.

When is XML preferable to JSON?

XML is particularly suitable for complex, validatable, and long-term stable data models—especially in regulated industries or document-centric processes requiring formal schema validation.

How is XML integrated into relational databases?

XML can be stored in dedicated XML or VARIANT columns, queried via XQuery, or transformed into relational tables via mapping processes. The right approach depends on architecture, performance requirements, and governance constraints.

What role does XSLT play in XML development?

XSLT is used for rule-based transformation of XML documents into other formats such as XML, HTML, JSON, or text, and enables structured implementation of business logic within transformation pipelines.

How is document generation from XML implemented?

Using XSL-FO or StyleVision, structured XML data can be rendered into print-ready formats such as PDF or RTF. Layout requirements and template structures can be implemented systematically.