IBM BPM, V8.0.1, All platforms > Authoring services in Integration Designer > Services and service-related functions > Access external services with adapters > Configure and using adapters > IBM WebSphere Adapters > Adapter Toolkit > Implementing code from the IBM WebSphere Adapter Toolkit
Data model
In any system where heterogeneous components exchange data, a common data model or object format is crucial. With a common data model, system components know what to send and what to expect in return.
For IBM BPMand WebSphere Enterprise Service Bus, this data model is called a business object. The adapters handle data internally, in a format-independent manner, using the Data Exchange Service Provider Interface (DESPI). In the IBM BPM and WebSphere Enterprise Service Bus environment, a data binding produces and consumes the business objects, and communicates with the adapter using the Data Exchange SPI.
The JCA 1.5 specification defines an optional CCI Record model.
The business object data model provides for the following:
- A full, working implementation, as opposed to the CCI Record model that simply defines interfaces that must be implemented by the adapter developer.
- A built-in support for tracking changes at both the object and property levels, which allows for improved efficiency in processing and reduced bandwidth requirements for exchanging data.
- The business object data model is based upon the open-standard service data object (SDO) model that is supported by IBM and others (visit www.eclipse.org for more information).
- The business object data model aligns well with the larger WebSphere service-oriented architecture (SOA) strategy which, going forward, will better enable interpretability with other WebSphere-based applications.
- Relationship of business objects to service data objects
At the technical level, the WebSphere business object model maps directly to the service data object (SDO) model: a WebSphere business graph and business object correspond to an SDO data graph and data object.- After-images versus deltas
Two distinct types of business objects, after-image and delta, are used to convey different kinds of information.- Verbs
A verb is a property of a business graph.- Verbs versus operations
Verbs and operations are similar conceptually but serve different purposes. Operations reflect the functions that an adapter can perform. An operation is directly related to the adapter performing it. By contrast, a verb is directly related to the business object in which it is specified. In general, the verb defined for a business object should match the operation but not always; some operations are unrelated to the verb.- Business object standards