What Is a Web Service?

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This section describes what is a Web service.

A Web Service is an application programming service that can be accessed remotely via standard Internet protocols using XML as the data format.

Key elements in this definition:

• A Web service is a programming service, not an end user service
• A Web service is designed to be used remotely.
• A Web service is accessible via standard Internet protocols, ex. HTTP.
• A Web service communicates data in XML format.

Benefits of using Web services:

• Easier to integrate applications together.
• Services re-usable.
• Making application flexible to meeting constantly changing business needs.

Last update: 2007.

Sections in This Chapter

What Is a Web Service?

Web Service Related Technologies