Requirements for XML document database systems

Abstract

The shift from SGML to XML has created new demands for managing structured documents. Many XML documents will be transient representations for the purpose of data exchange between different types of applications, but there will also be a need for effective means to manage persistent XML data as a database. In this paper we explore requirements for an XML database management system. The purpose of the paper is not to suggest a single type of system covering all necessary features. Instead the purpose is to initiate discussion of the requirements arising from document collections, to offer a context in which to evaluate current and future solutions, and to encourage the development of proper models and systems for XML database management. Our discussion addresses issues arising from data modelling, data definition, and data manipulation.