Web services
The middleware that enables and simplifies Web application-to-application connectivity.
Web services differ from other forms of middleware in that they are based on XML standards and specifications. In theory, these standards will create hub-and-spoke configurations, rather than the so-called spaghetti code that results from point-to-point connectivity.
Some increasingly common Web-services specifications are:
A Web service architecture consists of three primary functions: discovery, description and transport. For each of these functions, there is an accompanying standard, all based on XML. Web services are discovered through UDDI, described by WSDL, and transported using SOAP. Web service transactions run over HTTP and TCP/IP networks.
Additional resources
Web services can simplify Web apps
A Network World Tech Update, 11/05/01.
Securing Web servics
Network World, 09/23/02.
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