Method and system for converting message data into relational table format

A computer readable medium containing programming instructions for converting messaging data into a relational table format in a database system, wherein the messaging data is within a messaging system, comprising the programming instructions for:

• (a) providing a table function within the database system, wherein the table function includes a plurality of table formatting specifications;
• (b) invoking the table function to access the messaging data;
• and
• (c) converting the messaging data by the table function into specific data types according to the plurality of table formatting specifications, wherein the messaging data is transformed into the relational table format.

A system for converting messaging data into a relational table format in a database system, wherein the messaging data is within a messaging system, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• a table function building application executable by the processor for building a table function, wherein the table function includes a plurality of table formatting specifications;
• and
• means for invoking the table function to access the messaging data;
• wherein, once invoked, the table function converts the messaging data into specific data types according to the plurality of table formatting specifications and transforms the messaging data into the relational table format.