The term Web Services has quickly becomes a buzzword in the market. There are true successes and also much hype about Web Services technology solutions. Much of the market hype focuses on what it can do, rather than integration. Some generalize that Web Services technology can address all types of business problems. Web Services technologies are a good technology enabler for legacy system integration and cross-platform interoperability, but may not necessarily be the perfect solution to all types of business problems.
Such Web Services interest has coincided with the proliferation of XML and Java technology and Business-to-Business (B2B) commerce. The key attraction of Web Services comes from the business drivers of cost reduction and B2B integration.
There are many aspects of the changing economic landscape and emerging trends that support the potential use of Web Services, especially in the financial services and B2B commerce areas.
Three major business scenarios are illustrated , using good candidates for Web Services. The key benefits are the system interoperability among a number of trading partners and the reusability of existing business functionality and infrastructure.
To establish a business case for Web Services, we highlight the business benefits of the interoperability, ease of integration, and reusability. Quantitative figures, if available, would be useful to support Return On Investment justification.
