The Crossflo DataExchange Agent is a powerful mapping and database access tool that can stand alone or interact seamlessly with a Crossflo DataExchange Server as part of a data-sharing network. The Agent is built in 100% pure “run anywhere” Java, so that it can access data across the breadth of data silos typical in most mature agencies. By using the industry standard JDBC bridge and by leveraging commercially available adapters, the mapping technology in the Agent can access virtually any data source, from contemporary relational databases such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server to legacy systems such as IDMS and ISAM.

The Agent packages Crossflo's intuitive, graphical mapping technology for mapping data between data sources and XML Schema Definition (XSD) files. Using the standard “drag and drop” convention, users can quickly identify what they want to share from a data source, and make that available in the format of the XSD. The mapping definitions are applied when the Agent exports data out of, or imports data into, a data source (or both). The Agent contains a variety of data-transformation utilities for controlling how exported XML is formatted and for how imported XML is treated.

The Agent includes a scheduler to trigger the creation of publication issues, which can be forwarded to a DataExchange Server or sent elsewhere, such as a message queue, enterprise service bus (ESB) or file system. Conversely, subscribing Agents interface with a DataExchange Server or other XML provider to retrieve their approved subscriptions. Secure communications between the Server and Agents is provided via Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), and an authentication and authorization engine. With the DataExchange Server and its Agents, users select only the specific data they choose to share and with whom they will share it.