Web Service Protocol Stack
A second option for viewing the web service architecture is to examine the emerging web service protocol stack. The stack is still evolving, but currently has four main layers. Following is a brief description of each layer.
- Service transport
This layer is responsible for transporting messages between applications. Currently, this layer includes hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), and newer protocols, such as Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol (BEEP).
- XML messaging
This layer is responsible for encoding messages in a common XML format so that messages can be understood at either end. Currently, this layer includes XML-RPC and SOAP.
- Service description
This layer is responsible for describing the public interface to a specific web service. Currently, service description is handled via the Web Service Description Language (WSDL).
- Service discovery
This layer is responsible for centralizing services into a common registry, and providing easy publish/find functionality. Currently, service discovery is handled via Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI).
As web services evolve, additional layers may be added, and additional technologies may be added to each layer. Figure 1-7 summarizes the current web service protocol stack. Each layer is described in detail later in this book.
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