Configure external web service providers to use CEA

We can configure communications enabled applications (CEA) to use an external web service provider that supports the CEA WSDL file.

To use an external web service provider, it must be deployed and running on a server accessible from the CEA server. The location of the WSDL file for the external service must be known and accessible by using an HTTP request. Like the setup required when using the web service provided by CEA, you must start and configure an IP private branch exchange (PBX) as well.

CEA provides web telephony services in the form of REST APIs as well as a web service. When invoked, a common core technology interacts with an IP PBX to monitor and control phones. This core technology can be substituted with an external web service. The CEA web service interface is described by a WSDL file.

If an external provider creates a web service that supports this WSDL, then CEA can be configured to use that provider. This configuration replaces the need for the existing CEA web service, but the existing service can be used for REST requests. As REST requests are received, CEA uses a web services client to communicate with the external web service provider. The external web service provider is responsible for all communication with the IP PBX to provide third party call control.

1. Enable the system application.
   

2. Install the IP PBX.
   

3. Configure the IP PBX location.
   

4. Restart the application server.
   

5. Install the external web service.
   

6. Configure the location of the third-party web service WSDL.
   

7. Develop a new application that calls the REST interface.
   

8. Install and start the new application.
   

9. Test the new application.
   

Results

After completing these steps, the CEA configuration uses an external web service provider that manages all interactions with the IP PBX.

Subtopics

• Enable the system application.
  

• Install the IP PBX.
  

• Configure the IP PBX location.
  

• Restart the application server.
  

• Install the external web service.
  

• Configure the location of the third-party web service WSDL.
  

• Develop a new application that calls the REST interface.
  

• Install and start the new application.
  

• Test the new application.
  

• wsadmin (Jython) scripting procedures for CEA
  The Communications Enabled Applications (CEA) samples package includes a wsadmin (Jython) script library to simplify the development and testing of scripts to automate related configuration changes. The script library is provided as a samples, and as such, IBM has no obligation to provide maintenance, support, updates, enhancements or modifications.

Related tasks

Samples documentation

wsadmin (Jython) scripting procedures for CEA