Merging XML Files: A New Approach Providing Intelligent Merge of XML Data Sets
http://www.deltaxml.com/pdf/merging-xml-files.pdf

La Fontaine, Robin
DeltaXML.com
2001

Abstract:

As XML becomes ubiquitous so the need for powerful tools to manipulate XML data becomes more pressing. Merging XML is particularly tricky, but often necessary to consolidate data feeds from heterogeneous systems, or to synchronize submissions of XML fragments which make up a larger document. An automated mechanism for defining and controlling such merges has been developed and is demonstrated to provide a consistent, adaptable and resilient solution to this problem. Integration into an information pipeline allows limitless customization.