Data Transformation and Import

Develop a batch application in language of choice which can be installed/run on Windows XP, NT, Vista, 7 operating systems which can load, transform, merge, import customer flat file format product data into our proprietary format and the post to our server for import. Detailed mapping/import rules will be provided for both customer data format and our format. The task will involve the following actions: 1) retrieve product data from our web services publishing system (via http api calls) 2) load into local memory 3) load customer data from single format local flat file (xls spreadsheet) and convert to our data structure. 4) create/update/delete data loaded from our server with updates from customer file 5) post updates to our server (http api calls) 6) create detailed import report 7) post import notes/comments to our system (http api call) The application/utility should be launchable via a batch/command file with appropriate arguments including customer id, local customer import file name, working directory for reports, downloaded data files from our servers, etc. Detailed mapping, transformation rules, and reporting requirements will be provided in full specification. A proprietary language scripting function will also be provided which implements the majority of requirements in this task. This script will be extremely valuable for reference in understanding various api calls to our system, mapping details, etc. We strongly recommend that this script be translated into the language of your choice as a starting point for this job since it implements approximately 60-70% of the full requirements for this project. Our basic publishing system data structure and communication with our api is documented on our web site in the following articles/pages. [login to view URL] [login to view URL] [login to view URL] In addition to the above defined structure, this project will also require use of several import files which allow customers to define classification hierarchies and related item details. The flat file (tab-delimited) structure of each of these files will be provided in the full project specification as required. ## Deliverables Please find attached a zip file containing 1) Customer data file saved to tab-delimited text format ([login to view URL]) 2) Excel mapping and report specifications from the customer on how to interpret their spreadsheet data file (Converter Tool Requirements Addendum(4-08-10).xls) 3) Simple Catalog-On-Demand web services import format ([login to view URL]) - Note that project will require loading and creating this basic structure along with 2-3 other flat files for classification hierarchy and related items information.