Java™ Connector Architecture: Building Custom Connectors and Adapters

Why XML Will Not Replace Adapters

Some people believe that as software vendors adopt XML and its components, the need for adapters will gradually disappear. Indeed, XML simplifies the design and deployment of certain components of the adapter. Probably one reason for thinking that adapters will be replaced by XML is the different definitions of an adapter. No doubt, some classes of adapters—especially those that are heavy on proprietary document models—may become much thinner in their technology footprint. However, adapters do much more than document transformation. We have seen ample evidence of it in our adapter reference model. XML doesn't handle all the design considerations outlined in the adapter reference model. Adapters do the job of ...