Network Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, Web Services, Protocols & Standards - Computer Networks, Web Programming

Understanding SOAP : Simple Object Access Protocol

Name: Understanding SOAP : Simple Object Access Protocol
Author: Kennard Scribner
ISBN: 9780672319228

by Kennard Scribner

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Overview

Understanding SOAP begins with a discussion of distributed object computing, reviewing the current technologies. It then discusses the realities that make distributed object computing so difficult. Given these realities, the book provides a case study of a current technology to show why it is so difficult to distribute objects and why a protocol, such as SOAP, is such an important topic. An in-depth example gives you a working scenario of what is involved with distributed object computing and SOAP. Finally, the book discusses the future of SOAP, to include language binding and system integration. This book provides you with an accelerated approach to understanding how XML applies to distributed systems, specifically using the SOAP protocol.

About the Author, Kennard Scribner

Kennard Scribner started out managing a pizzeria, but when he found out he could make less money and work harder in the Air Force, he immediately signed up and was whisked away to foreign lands, starting with Omaha, Nebraska. (Don't let him fool you; he loved it there.) After earning a commission and several assignments later, Kenn left the Air Force to pursue his hobby of Windows programming as a full-time measure. Now Kenn finds himself teaching COM and implementing COM technology as he journeys around the town helping others get their projects off the ground. Along the way, he started The EnduraSoft Corporation to write and market ActiveX controls, although these days he's spending more time writing words than code! Kenn is the author and coauthor of several books, including Sams Teach Yourself ATL Programming in 21 Days and MFC Unleashed. You can reach Kenn at [email protected].

Mark C. Stiver is a consulting software engineer with one of the world's largest supplier of information services for the legal and business industry. He has more than 11 years of experience working on a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and military software development projects. Recently he completed a two-year effort, developing an n-tier, distributed product using XML as the base protocol to integrate Windows desktop, Windows NT Server, and UNIX applications. Currently, he is involved in the design and development of XML-based interfaces for integrating with large-scale systems.

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Editorials

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
SOAP looks like it's gonna clean up. If you're a developer who wants to make the most of it, Understanding SOAP is the jumpstart you've been looking for.

One thing that's especially welcome about this book: perspective. The authors begin by comparing SOAP to existing distributed object technologies such as CORBA, DCOM, and Java RMI, explaining how it stacks up in terms of scalability, performance, activation, state management, garbage collection, and other key criteria. You'll learn how developers have traditionally used XML to transport data between systems and how SOAP adds value through an interoperable, flexible, well-designed architecture.

The authors cover protocol transports, XML payloads, data types, remote methods, and more. They're reasonably platform-agnostic, but Understanding SOAP does contain a full chapter on the relationship of SOAP to Microsoft's BizTalk, as well as a real-world SOAP implementation (running nearly 200 pages) that intercepts Windows COM object calls and formulates SOAP resquest-response scenarios.

SOAP is thoroughly entwined with XML schemas, namespaces, and other not-quite-nailed-down XML standards. The book is candid about "why things are the way you find them today as well as how things might change in the foreseeable future" -- including potentially crucial issues, such as security and object discovery. (Bill Camarda)

Bill Camarda is a consultant and writer with nearly 20 years' experience in helping technology companies deploy and market advanced software, computing, and networking products and services. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.

Booknews

The simple object access protocol (SOAP) provides a mechanism for distributing objects over the Internet. This book explains the basics of SOAP and what the various aspects of the specification mean with respect to distributed object computing. Topics include the XML payload, data types, invoking remote methods, and the COM language binding. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)