Altova, creator of tools for XML, database, and other development, has released Version 2011 Release 2 (2011r2) of the Altova MissionKit, its integrated suite of XML, database, and UML tools. Among the highlights of this latest release are new schema editing options in XMLSpy, enhanced ETL capabilities in MapForce, and word document comparison in DiffDog, and customizable documentation templates. 2011r2 also includes enhancements to chart and report-creation functionality introduced in Altova MissionKit 2011, with the addition of several new chart types—stacked bar, area, stacked area, and candlestick—and customizable chart features (e.g., chart overlays, background image and color gradients, variable axis label positions), which add more options to the suite for analyzing and reporting database and XML data.
"We've received very positive responses from our customers to the new chart and report creation functionality introduced in the Altova MissionKit 2011, and with this latest release, we've added more advanced chart types and report creation options to deliver a complete, flexible set of tools for analyzing database, XML, XBRL, and other types of data in innovative and eye-catching ways," said Alexander Falk, Altova's president and CEO.
Here are highlights of the new features in Altova MissionKit 2011 Release 2:
XMLSpy 2011r2: You can now embed an external file (e.g., an image) as encoded text directly in an XML document, providing the option package all required data from various external files together in one document. Users can now customize documentation templates using StyleVision; XMLSpy ships with several new ready-made documentation templates that may be used as-is or modified further in StyleVision. And, as mentioned, XMLSpy provides new chart-creation capabilities (area, candlestick, and others). Finally, XMLSpy provides new options for working with XML schemas, such as an option for sorting schema elements by name or by kind.
MapForce 2011r2: The MapForce data-mapping tool allows streaming of XML, CSV, and FLF file output, giving a significant performance boost to ETL (extract, transform, and load) projects. Also, the if-else data processing component in MapForce has been redesigned to accommodate for any number of variables. This feature, which is equivalent to a switch statement in many programming languages, lets users easily control the flow of data in their mapping projects by matching a value to a selected criterion.
StyleVision 2011r2: StyleVision delivers the new chart and report generation capabilities mentioned previously. The latest release also introduces a frequently requested feature: Users can now configure and include any bar code from the BarCode4J library in their reports and electronic forms. Another powerful new feature available in the visual stylesheet and report design tool allows users to generate ASPX (ASP.NET) web applications based on XML or database source data, enabling users to deploy dynamic websites with design and functionality dictated in StyleVision templates
UModel 2011r2: UModel users can now generate code in C#, Java, or Visual Basic directly from a state machine diagram with little or no additional modeling infrastructure, a feature that can help to accelerate the design-built-test cycle for UML modelers. Building upon its existing support for the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) 1.0, UModel 2011r2 now supports the BPMN 2.0 specification, including all new process types and elements.
DiffDog 2011r2: DiffDog, Altova's diff/merge tool, includes a new feature for comparing and merging Microsoft Word documents—in addition to the existing UI and diff/merge options that DiffDog provides for comparing XML and source code files, folders and directories, and databases.
Version 2011 Release 2 of the Altova product line is available for purchase in the Altova Online Shop with prices starting at $59 per product. You can find a complete list of all the new features added in the Altova MissionKit 2011 Release 2 on Altova's website. And you can download a 30-day free trial of any Altova product here.