Can XML help bridge the gap across management databases?

The Web-based enterprise management initiative from the Distributed Management Task Force has attempted to improve this area through a Common Information Model (CIM), which can then be accessed through XML. Management databases can utilize the CIM schema, which defines a common model for managed objects. Applications can then use XML as the transport/encoding mechanism for accessing the information.

While there is currently a good deal of debate on the current reality of CIM in products shipping today, the use of XML in this arena clearly seems to be gaining momentum. XML lets applications access CIM and other management databases without much of the pain of proprietary APIs.

Luminate's newly announced OpenData Initiative XML interface is a good example of XML as the substitute for proprietary APIs. Luminate is the first application management vendor for SAP/R3 to provide an XML interface setting a good example for using XML to allow partners to share management data. According to Luminate, partners can now access Luminate's data warehouse with no programming background, SQL, schema knowledge or SAP R/3 knowledge required. This substantially lowers the barrier for entry for companies developing R/3 management applications.

As part of this initiative, Luminate has also announced several partner relationships. One is with SAS Institute, to integrate its IT Service Vision with Luminate's data warehouse for chargeback, forecasting and capacity planning. The second is with AMC Technology for integration with Customer Interaction Center, a help-desk support application within the R/3 framework.

XML shows great promise for the future as a replacement for APIs and SDKs. Keep an eye out here for future columns on other companies leading the XML charge.