Datawatch Parsing Offering Saves Time, Delivers More

Monarch can parse typical reports that come as raw text from mainframe and midrange systems and convert the output into flat tables. Four years ago, Datawatch introduced an XML parsing tool called VorteXML that converts any print streams into XML files. Unlike the flat table transformations that Monarch creates, VorteXML arranges flat files into a multidimension structure. The output of this multidimension model is an XML data store.

One of the most impressive features in the latest release of VorteXML is the Auto-Define Fields. With just one click, Auto-Define Fields goes to all the fields that are being trapped and tries to define them in advance. The Auto-Define Fields also applies special traps to multiline fields automatically. This feature is a great time-saver when working with complex reports.

Version 3 features a formula editor for use in calculated fields that includes context-sensitive help, which helps users add parameters to a function by guiding them through the arguments. The Formula Editor now includes date and time conversion functions, number-rounding functions and four new string functions. With the Formula Editor, users can create an expression using arithmetic, logic and string operators to refine a parse on a field or to create a custom filter for a single or multiple fields.

Once a report is parsed, VorteXML develops a profile of what was parsed in the left pane. The extracted elements from a report are placed in a hierarchical format based on how they were automatically defined by the tool. The profiles are essentially templates that are used to generate the schema and XML files.

VorteXML has a verify function that traces traps through a report using a template in a profile to help validate the accuracy of a trap. This version has improved its verify function, so when users fix mistakes on the spot, the process can continue without users having to restart over again. The verify function also will check data types and give a warning if the data type is conflicting with the characters in the trap.

After verifying traps, users end up with an entire multidimensional data model of the report. Because the data is in a multidimensional form, regardless of which schema is used to extract data, VorteXML provides a method to manipulate the data to fit a schema.

To develop prototype schemas using XML output, users can import elements from a template. The tool creates multiple XML documents from each section of a report so the user can determine the repetition that's involved when extracting a report. The schema then can be generated from that output. In most occasions, that schema will satisfy most uses. To make it more robust, users can go into every XML output and enforce data types to elements to match their format. When that schema is generated again, all validations can be done against the correct type, making the schema more useful,especially when integrating the output with another application.

To follow industry-standard schemas, users can adjust the final schema manually. Since most of the work is already created by the tool, it saves users time trying to develop a schema from scratch. VorteXML also analyzes data that uses complex schemas which deal with infinite recursion. Since the tool handles data repetitions, users can simply force a new line item from a line-items template.

Datawatch has a single-level partner program, allowing access to training, NFR software, MDFs, rebates and marketing support. The product as tested costs $599 per single-user license. The average margin is 30 percent of list price.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>VORTEXML DESIGNER V3

COMPANY: Datawatch
Lowell, Mass.
(800) 445-3311
www.datawatch.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Ingram Micro, Tech Data
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Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.