The framework data for Service Center is contained in XML files that are located in various configuration layers. When an ATG server instance is started, the XML instance files associated with the modules or applications installed in your environment are combined into a single XML file. Using XML data binding, the combined XML file is converted into atg.svc.framework.repository.
beans.FrameworkObject servlet bean instances.

The /Service/Framework/lib/classes/atg/xsds/FrameworkDataSpecification.xsd file defines the framework data structure. It is also used to validate and parse XML instance files. The rules that are used to combine the XML instance files are defined in the FrameworkDataSpecification.xsd.
combinerCustomizer.xml file. Using these matching rules, the combiner reviews the XML files, locates matches and then combines the matched elements. Refer to Appendix A, The XML Combiner Script for the framework definition object’s combiner customizer rules.

For detailed information on data binding through xml-combine, refer to the ATG Platform Programming Guide.