Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically map between disparate message formats are provided. In one embodiment, the mapping begins by message selecting a target field in a target business object. A concept associated with the target field is identified in a synonym dictionary. A set of synonyms associated with the concept is received. In the source document, fields are identified which contain synonyms that match the synonyms in the target field. For those source fields that match the target field, a match exists and the fields are said to be mapped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically selecting a rule during the mapping process, and storing the rule independently of message type, is provided. The method and apparatus allow these rules to be inferred during the mapping process, and to be manipulated easily by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a graphical user interface (GUI) from a text file. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a computer configured to run a software program that enables a user to create a text file by using an input device coupled to a console of the computer, such as an editor program, for example. The text file represents a GUI being created. The computer also is configured to run a GUI constructing software program which receives the text file as input and which generates a data tree structure associated with the graphical user interface being created. The data tree structure can then be utilized by a GUI generating software program that receives the data tree structure, generates the GUI, and displays the GUI on a display monitor coupled to the computer. The text file created by the user preferably is a two-dimensional pictorial representation of the GUI and comprises textual characters arranged to form one or more boxes on the display monitor.