IBM BPM, V8.0.1, All platforms > Authoring services in Integration Designer > Services and service-related functions

Calling services

Imports and exports allow modules to publish their services and to use services from other sources. Imports and exports require binding information, which specifies the means of transporting the data from the modules.

You can use an import to access functions that are not a part the module that you are assembling. An export is a published interface from a component or import to offer its service to the outside world, for example, as a web service. Stand-alone references allow a Java™ program to start SCA components or imports.

Business objects and interfaces for imports and exports

To use imports and exports in assembly diagrams, it is a good practice to put the business objects and interfaces used by the import and exports into a library so that they can be shared. Then, add a dependency on the library to all of the modules that use these common resources. Avoid copying the same business objects and interfaces into different modules to use them.

• Imports
  

  You can use an import to access functions that are not a part of the module that you are assembling.

• Exports
  An export is a published interface from a component or import that offers its service to the outside world, for example, as a web service.
• Stand-alone references
  

  You can use Stand-alone references in a Java program to invoke SCA components or imports.

• Bindings
  Imports and exports require binding information. Binding information specifies the means of transporting the data from the modules.
• SCA bindings
  Service Component Architecture bindings are used for SCA invocations between modules running in the same runtime cell. This binding is simple to configure and provides seamless integration between modules.
• Web service bindings
  

  You can use a web service binding to invoke existing web services and expose functionality within the module as a web service. A web service binding offers a way to enable an import or export for remote calls, or for a data request.

• Create exports
  

  You can create an export for a component so that its business service can be used by other modules.

• Create imports
  

  You can create an import to use an existing service that is not part of the module that you are assembling.

• Delete exports and imports
  

  You can delete an export or import in the assembly editor, along with any resources that directly support the export or import binding.

• Invoking a service from another module
  Mediation modules and business integration modules have interfaces in their exports. You can invoke any type of module from any other type of module.
• Generate SCA bindings
  The Service Component Architecture binding is simple to configure and provides seamless integration between modules. You can generate SCA bindings automatically in the assembly editor.
• Importing the ServiceGateway interface and schema
  A service gateway has a single generic export and a single generic gateway interface. The generic gateway interface named ServiceGateway, along with schema files, is provided for you. You can import the predefined service gateway resources into your module or library.
• WSDL import and export files
  Web Services Description Language (WSDL) files are commonly shared among users working on SOA projects. You can import and export WSDL files with options to make the WSDL files interoperable with different vendors, and reusable within your workspace.
• Changing an external service without interruption
  When you design a system or develop modules, it is sometimes helpful to place an intermediary module between a module and an external service that it invokes. You can use this approach only if you use SCA bindings.