Introduction to the "Transforming SOAP messages by using a message map" scenario

You can create a message map that transforms an existing SOAP message. You can configure the map properties and define data transformations between simple elements, complex elements, and repeating elements. Review the topics in this section to understand what is covered in this scenario, the situations in which a business might want to follow the scenario, and an overview of the solution that is proposed by the scenario.

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WebSphere® Message Broker Version 8.0 introduces graphical data maps. These message maps replace the previous message map format, and are created as *.map files. If you migrate from an earlier version of WebSphere Message Broker Version 8.0, you can continue using your legacy maps. However, if you need to modify any of your legacy maps, you must convert these legacy message maps into *.map message maps. For more information about converting maps, see Converting a message map from a .msgmap file to a .map file.

Message maps are based on XML schema and XPath 2.0 standards. You can use these maps to transform and enrich messages in your integration solution. These maps offer the ability to achieve the transformation without the need to write code, providing a visual image of the transformation, and simplifying its implementation and ongoing maintenance.

IBM® Integration Bus supports SOAP 1.1 and SOAP 1.2 messages. A SOAP message is encoded as an XML document, consisting of an Envelope element, which contains an optional Header element, and a mandatory Body element. The Fault element, contained in the Body element, is used for reporting errors.

Message maps provide a simple way to transform SOAP messages since they are messages encoded as an XML document.

Although using message maps is very intuitive, you might need help creating a map that transforms SOAP messages due to the multi part structure of a SOAP message. This scenario explains how to create a message map that transforms a SOAP message, how to configure the map properties, how to define transformations between the different parts of a SOAP message, and how to define transformations between simple elements, and complex elements.