Chapter 12. Real World Web Service Application Development-Foundations

Chapter 12. Real World Web Service Application Development Foundations

In this chapter we go step-by-step and develop a Web services application as well as the consumed Web services using only the technologies of the core Web services platform SOAP and WSDL. In the next chapter, we build on and extend this application, using the technologies and standards discussed in the second section of this book, and develop an enterprise-class system.

We build the application in this chapter in an effort to illustrate that the core Web services platform is simply a set of enabling technologies for XML-based distributed computing. Additional technologies and architectural patterns for workflow, mobile, quality-of-service, security, and transactions are necessary to develop Web services and applications that meet enterprise requirements.

For the application that we will develop in this chapter, we have chosen enterprise procurement. The need to procure goods and services from other businesses is required for almost all companies. It is also one of the most difficult, time consuming, and expensive processes. The widespread adoption of Web services opens up the door to an automated procurement process that reduces overhead, operational inefficiencies, and purchasing errors.