Methods and systems for data retrieval using an XML configuration file

A method of retrieving data from one or more data sources, the method comprising:

• receiving a first set of display options, a first set of data retrieval filters that include one or more identities indicative of a data source and instructions to extract a set of data, and a first set of connection information that includes a URL and an IP address from a user via a user interface, system information of the user, system information of the data source, execution parameters, the first set of display options, the first set of data retrieval filters, and the first set of connection information corresponding to a first data source;
• embedding the first set of data retrieval filters and the first set of display options into a first user-defined XML configuration file;
• retrieving a first set of data from the first data source in accordance with the first set of data retrieval filters embedded in the first user-defined XML configuration file;
• storing the first set of data in a database in accordance with a predefined format;
• generating a first portlet to display the first set of data to the user in accordance with the first set of display options and the predefined format;
• and
• generating a second portlet in order to display a second set of data retrieved from a second data source by a second user-defined XML configuration file in accordance with the first set of display options embedded in the first user-defined XML configuration file.

A system for exchanging data between a user and one or more data sources, the system comprising:

• a web portal configured to receive a first data source query from the user, the first data source query corresponding to a first data source;
• a processor configured to generate a first user-defined XML configuration file based on the first data source query, the first user-defined XML configuration file including a first set of display options and a first set of data retrieval filters that include one or more identities indicative of the first data source and instructions to extract a set of data and connection information that includes a URL and an IP address, system information of the user, system information of the first data source, and execution parameters;
• and
• a portal server communicably coupled to the web portal, the portal server configured to:
• retrieve a first set of data from the first data source in accordance with the first set of data retrieval filters specified in the first user-defined XML configuration file;
• store the first set of data in a database in accordance with a predefined format;
• generate a first portlet to display the first set of data by the web portal in accordance with the first set of display options and the predefined format;
• and
• generate a second portlet in order to display a second set of data retrieved from a second data source by a second user-defined XML configuration file in accordance with the first set of display options specified in the first user-defined XML configuration file.