Introduction: Web services
Web services are self-contained, modular applications that can be described, published, located, and invoked over a network. They implement a service-oriented architecture (SOA), which supports the connecting or sharing of resources and data in a flexible and standardized manner. Services are described and organized to support their dynamic, automated discovery and reuse.
The WebSphere Application Server supports a set of web services standards that support the creation and administration of interoperable, securable, transactionable, and reliable web services applications. Using the strategic JAX-WS programming model, web service clients can additionally invoke web services asynchronously, which means a client can continue processing without waiting on the response. JAX-WS web services can also take advantage of the Web Services Reliable Messaging protocol quality of service ensure communications reache their destination when interoperating with other vendors.
The WebSphere Application Server supports both JAX-WS and the JAX-RPC programming model.
JAX-WS uses a standard, annotation-based model to develop web services and clients. A common set of binding rules for XML and Java objects allow us to incorporate XML data and processing functions in Java. A further set of enhancements can send binary attachments, such as images or files with the web services request.
Related:
Web Services Security enhancements Task overview: Implementing web services applications Web services specifications and APIs