I am looking for some advice on integrating data from separate SQL
Server 2000 and Sybase databases running on separate servers (all on
Windows) on the same LAN, and various file based systems. I have
strong SQL Server experience, but no Sybase knowledge.

The technologies that I am considering are:

Distributed queries (using linked servers)
BCP/ Bulk Insert
Replication
DTS
XML/ SQLXML

At present, distributed queries looks favourite, supported by use of
BCP and Bulk Insert for the file based systems.

The client prefers not to use replication.

Although I am a big fan of DTS, my client does not have the staff to
support batch operations, so this limits the appeal of DTS.

So finally to my question, which relates to the use of XML. I have
used XML and SQLXML in an internet environment with ASP applications,
and found it works well. In such environments, I would normally
choose to use XML. I am interested to know from any of you experts
out there whether you think there are any strong advantages (or
disadvantages) to using XML to integrate data specifically in internal
systems, and taking into account that some data has to be shared
between SQL Server and Sybase.

Ian Allchin
ian.allchin (AT) talk21 (DOT) com
MCSD specialising in SQL Server and .NET
Alpha Ventures Limited, UK