I am a newbie to xml and generally to sql as well...I'm a graphic designer 
and my database experience is limited to Access.

I have a web store with less than 500 products at this time. One of my 
suppliers generates a "real time" (xml) inventory feed updated every two 
hours. I use their product code as a unique identifier in my database. I am 
using the zencart shopping cart (php). My web host uses phpmyadmin on my 
server for the database (sql).

I would like to utilize that real time xml feed to do automated inventory 
updates. I have one major hurdle. (well it's major for me)

The xml feed from the supplier looks like this...

<Products><Product 
toBeDiscontinued="N"><ProductCode><![CDATA[00-238X1]]></ProductCode><InventoryLevel>249</InventoryLevel></Product>

while the xml I download via phpmyadmin for my site looks like this...

<products>
        <products_quantity>2604</products_quantity>
        <products_model>10-papc25c</products_model>
    </products>

so basically I will have to change or reference "ProductCode" to update 
"products_model" and likewise for "InventoryLevel" and "products_quantity".
And when the "products_model" does not exist I do not want it added to my 
database and I do not want other suppliers products being deleted from my 
database. 

One other thing: when importing the results phpmyadmin requires a text file.

So that is my basic dilemna.

I want to be able to automate the process as much as possible. I am positive 
that the solution is easier than I am making it out to be.

Looking forward to a reply. 

Thanks