Web services relies on software standards. Here is a brief description of what each of the four major Web services standards does.SOAP (simple object access protocol) Describes how one application dials up a Web service and asks it to perform a task and return an answer. SOAP makes it possible to use Web services for transactions?for example, checking inventory in real-time and placing an order.UDDI (universal description, discovery and integration) A virtual yellow pages for Web services that lets software discover what Web services are available and how to hook up to them. Companies can maintain an internal UDDI registry to keep track of the Web services they have already built. Major software vendors are working together to develop a public UDDI registry that will enable companies to find each other’s Web services over the Internet. WSDL (Web services description language) If UDDI is a virtual yellow pages, WSDL is the little blurb associated with each entry that describes what kind of work the Web service can do?for example, it can give you access to a database of ZIP codes. XML (extensible markup language) A meta-language that lets programmers write their own tags to identify information on a webpage and put it into context (for data related to shoe size and color, for example). Related content Feature Industry clouds prove their business value Born of partnerships and ecosystem-centric by their nature, cloud solutions aimed at specific verticals are taking root, forming a complex, rapidly evolving market CIOs must be strategic about entering. By Paula Rooney Mar 24, 2023 7 mins Cloud Computing Feature What is data governance? Best practices for managing data assets Data governance defines roles, responsibilities, and processes for ensuring accountability for and ownership of data assets across the enterprise. By Thor Olavsrud Mar 24, 2023 10 mins IT Governance Frameworks Big Data Data Mining BrandPost Stay in Control of Your Data with a Secure and Compliant Sovereign Cloud By Stan Kwong Mar 23, 2023 6 mins Cloud Security Cloud Computing News Accenture to lay off 19,000 to cut costs amid economic uncertainty Technology services giant Accenture will continue to hire but meanwhile is cutting staff to streamline operations in the face of economic headwinds. By Anirban Ghoshal Mar 23, 2023 2 mins IT Consulting Services Technology Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe