An application system includes a first process configured to execute an application program, wherein the application program is operable to use a set of data structures. The application system also includes a second process configured to interpret a markup language document. A transformation template is configured to specify a symmetric mapping between the markup language document and the set of data structures. A transformation virtual machine runs in association with the first process and is operable to execute the transformation template. The transformation virtual machine is operable to perform a symmetric transformation between the markup language document and the set of data structures to allow the first process and the second process to exchange information.