A data transformation system includes clients, which initiate requests for
transformation of data between first and second data formats. The system
also includes peer transformation servers having data converters and
graphs of available transformations between input and output data formats
of such servers. The graph includes unidirectional edges, which extend
between corresponding pairs of the formats. The servers collectively
include one or more converters for each of the edges. The servers receive
the requests and select plural intermediate transformations from the
first format to plural intermediate formats, and a final transformation
from an intermediate format to the second format. Each of the
intermediate and final transformations is associated with a corresponding
one of the edges. The servers initiate the converters corresponding to
the selected transformations, in order to obtain and dispose the data in
the second format. A communication network provides communication among
the client and servers.