1. A method of mapping a first native data type instance to a second native data type instance, comprising: converting the first native data type instance into a first programming language and platform independent representation conforming to a first schema capable of defining base and derived data types; transforming said first programming language and platform independent representation into a second programming language and platform independent representation conforming to a second schema capable of defining base and derived data types; and further converting said second programming language and platform independent representation into said second native data type instance.