Summary

Chapter 14 is a pinnacle chapter because many of the skills you have learned in earlier chapters all come together with Web Services. You know how to implement Web Services that return simple and complex data. You know how use ADO.NET with Web Services. You know how to create custom types and return proxy types or the original types. You can competently invoke and safely manage asynchronous Web Services, and you understand the important role the .NET Framework plays in implementing Web Services. Reflection and the CodeDOM support implementing the proxy classes that make Web Services easier to use. Attributes facilitate marshaling data across the wire, and delegates and the multithreading model support asynchronous Web Services.

Taken individually the technologies supporting XML Web Services are not brand new. However, Microsoft has made these technologies practical and easier to use. By implementing Web Services on top of open standards, Microsoft has hedged its bet, embracing the best technologies of the industry.