XML socket server applications as an alternative for simulation interoperability

Internet applications like multiplayer games, chat rooms, and dashboard applications rely on persistent socket connections to exchange XML messages. Many websites have designed server engines, and client environments (e.g. Flash Player) that allow for real-time multi-user content. Using a similar architecture for complex simulation interoperability could represent an attractive perspective for the following reasons: XML based, loose coupling, low overhead, platform independent, persistent connection, and real-time. This paper presents a XML Socket Server implementation and four use cases which demonstrates a limited HLA-like functionality (Declaration Management and Ownership Management).