Planning a connector implementation

The connector is designed in a modular fashion, so that components can be replaced or added without compromising the integrity of the connector. Before you begin configuring the connector and its components, take the time to analyze the system you need to develop.

Use the following information to determine whether you can use the connector components unchanged as they are delivered with the product. If the functionality of a component of the connector does not meet your needs, you can replace it with a custom component. For example, you might need to implement a custom data handler if your application expects data types other than XML.

Use Table 4 to determine whether you can use the connector components as delivered or whether you have to create a custom component.

Table 4. Using a WebSphere Business Integration Adapter component or building a custom component?
Use WebSphere Business Integration Adapter-delivered component... If all conditions are true... Otherwise, build a...
Synchronous protocol handler (HTTP/HTTPS)
  • Using the HTTP or HTTPS protocol
  • Do not require a user/password exchange
  • Do not require certification details
  • Require a response business object from a URL

Custom protocol handler, See Building a custom protocol handler
Asynchronous protocol handler (HTTP/HTTPS)
  • Using the HTTP or HTTPS protocol
  • Do not require a user/password exchange
  • Do not require certification details
  • Require only success or failure return code from a URL (do not require a response business object)

Custom protocol handler See Building a custom protocol handler
XML data handler Data format is XML 1.0 See Data Handler Guide Custom data handler See Data Handler Guide
Name Resolver (XML data handler) The business object name is determined by using the root element name in the XML document and the BOPrefix attribute in a child meta-object for the XML Data Handler (configurable). Custom name resolver See Data Handler Guide
Entity Resolver (XML data handler)
  • Ignore external entities
  • Search local file system for external entities

Custom entity resolver See Data Handler Guide
SAX Parser (XML data handler) Data format is XML Custom parser

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