Repositories provide a standard reference point for understanding data and processes.
In the context of XML and EDI repositories provide the means to implement strategic business systems. An XML repository contains one or more XML glossaries, each of which is designed for use in a single business domain or industry. Webber postulated that if your interest in EDI is to send data outside your own organization, your definitely need a DTD or schema. Besides being more human-readable, this permits different companies to use different element names that all map to the same PO304 BizCode. Another advantage is keeping the semantic meaning of an element in a central repository so all EDI applications can share what may be a complex definition, perhaps based on Architectural Forms .