Network World

research center:

Applications

Search / DocFinder:
Advanced search
Research Centers
Vendor Solutions
Site Resources
Special Issues

Signature SeriesEnterprise All-Stars
Enterprise All-Stars NEW

You in action
You in action

New Data Center The New Data Center: Wireless & Mobility
Wireless & Mobility NEW

The New Data Center: Server Virtualization
Server Virtualization

SOAP (Simple Object Application Protocol)

An XML-based scheme for allowing computers to talk to each other over a network such as the Internet, typically as part of a Web service.

Advertisement:

First, the SOAP encoding schema describes how to encode data using a set of defined data types. If these data types are not sufficient, users can define their own data types.

Next, the SOAP envelope schema describes the overall format of SOAP messages. It also defines built-in ways of extending the message format to support custom applications. SOAP specifications developed by the W3C also define how to use HTTP to send and receive SOAP messages. Although SOAP messages can be sent over any protocol, HTTP is used in most applications.

In theory, SOAP can be used to pass almost any type of data between two applications. In practice, it is normally used to make Remote Procedure Calls (RPC). When used to encode RPCs, SOAP is a request/response protocol.

An application encodes an RPC request into a SOAP message and sends it to a remote system.

The request identifies the requested operation and contains its parameters. The remote system sends back the reply in another SOAP message that contains the operation result.

Because it is based on XML, SOAP is language- and platform-independent. The two applications could be written in different languages and could run on different operating systems.

From SOAP links disparate applications, Network World Tech Update, 12/17/01.

diagram

diagram

Additional resources

W3C SOAP specification

soap.weblogs.com

SOAP research center
Breaking news and analysis from Network World Fusion


Add a comment

NOTE: Comments are reviewed by an editor before being posted.

Your rating of this resource (with 5 the best)
1 2 3 4 5

Subject:

Your user name (what other users will see on the review):

Your real name (for our records only):

Your e-mail (ditto):

Your comments (Use a blank line to separate paragraphs):

TOP STORIES | MOST DUGG STORIES

  1. BlackBerry Storm vs. the iPhone
  2. Digg's Kevin Rose: "We have to do better"
  3. Blogger warns: "Nortel doesn't make it out alive"
  4. Financial quagmire bringing out the scammers
  5. Verizon plays with the wrong e-mail addresses
  6. 11 Microsoft security updates due next week
  7. Torvalds talks about his brand new blog
  8. Researchers reveal 'clickjacking' attack info
  9. Cisco reveals its acquisition integration strategy
  10. Sprint's Xohm zooms: mobile wireless at 5Mbps

  11. MOST-WATCHED VIDEO:
    VMware CEO Paul Maritz talks about his company and its new Virtual Data Center OS

Newsletters
Sign up for one of NWW's Application newsletters.

Web Applications
Network Optimization
Network Systems Management
Network/Systems Management News Alert
View all newsletters

Email Address:

Vendor Solutions

White Papers

Stock Spam: A Classic Scam
- MessageLabs

Effectively Securing Small Businesses from Online Threats
- MessageLabs

The Online Shadow Economy: A Billion Dollar Market For Malware Authors
- MessageLabs

More...

Special Report

Mapping a Successful Virtualization Course - American Power Conversion
Managing a newly virtualized environment can be tricky. Effectively deploy this technology with the advice and tips in Network World's latest Executive Guide, "Not Your Father's Virtualization Technology."


Research Centers: Applications | Application Development | Applications-Standards | Applications Vendor Solutions | Collaboration | CRM / ERP | Databases | Directories | Grid Computing | Java | Messaging | .Net | RFID | SOAP | Web Services | XML | Convergence & VoIP | Convergence Regulatory | Convergence Services | Convergence Standards | Convergence VoIP Vendor Solutions | Video | IP PBX | SIP | VoIP | VoIP Services | E-Business | DNS | RFID | Supply Chain | Web security LANs & Routers | Acceleration | Gigabit Ethernet | Lans-Standards | Routers | Wireless LANs | Network Management | Application Management | Desktop Management | Management Test Patch Management | Operating Systems | Linux | NetWare | Unix | Windows Outsourcing | Managed Services | Offshoring Security | Firewalls - VPN - Intrusion | Identity management | Patch Management | Microsoft Security | Privacy | Security Standards | Spam & Phishing | Viruses & worms | Web Security | Wireless Security | Servers & Desktop | Backup-Recovery | DataCenter | Desktops | Desktop Management | Grid | Servers | Server Blades | Servers Desktops | Utility Computing | Small & Medium Business | Broadband | Telework | Handhelds & PDAs | Home Networking | Security | Storage | Compliance | Infiniband | Network-Attached Storage | SANs | Storage Management | Storage Virtualization | Virtualization | Vendor News | Bankruptcy | Earnings | Lawsuits | Layoffs | Standards | Start Ups | Vendor Markets | Education | Financial | Healthcare | HIPAA | Manufacturing | Retail | Wide Area Network | Broadband | Carriers | Frame Relay | Metro Ethernet | MPLS | Service providers | Wireless services | Wireless & Mobile | Wireless LANs | PDAs & handhelds | Wireless Security | Wireless Services | Wireless Standards | Wireless Switches | All Company Profiles