Frame-slot architecture for data conversion

A machine-based method for use in a conversion of data from a first form associated with a data source to a second form for use by a target data system, comprising the steps of:

• receiving content associated with said data source;
• obtaining first information from said content for use in said conversion;
• first using said first information to obtain second information from a location, external to said content, for use in said conversion;
• and
• second using said first information and said second information in said conversion of said content from said first form to said second form.

An apparatus for use in converting data from a first form to a second form, comprising:

• an input port for receiving an input including a first content string to be converted;
• and
• a processor operative for analyzing said content string to determine an applicable schema for use in converting at least a portion of said content string, wherein said schema is applicable to less than the whole of a subject matter area including said content string and includes one or more conversion rules for use in converting data from said first form to said second form;
• said processor further being operative for using said first schema to convert said content string from said first form to said second form and to provide a corresponding output.