Abstract: A data conversion system and method which converts data between different software and hardware platforms. The DCLE of the present invention converts data from any number of different types or formats from any of various platforms to a single common data standard having a pre-defined generic data type, and the data is then converted from this generic type to a new desired format or type and stored on an existing or new destination platform. Thus, the system and method of the present invention allows for multiple database conversions to be created easily and efficiently. The data conversion process begins by first defining a complete data map of the input and output data environments, as well as zero or more intermediate environments. Data objects referred to as data bridges and streams are created to logically connect or associate the input and output environments as well as the tables in the input and output data environments.