Introduction to SOAP

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SOAP(Simple Object Access Protocol) is a technology which allows exchange of data between different applications. SOAP is a XML based messaging protocol which usually works on top of HTTP/HTTPS. However it can be used over other transport protocols like SMTP, SMTP etc. SOAP is also OS and programming language independent.

Earlier form of inter application communication include

• RPC
• DCOM
• CORBA
• Socket communication
• Database based communication
• File writing and polling

The above said communication methods are tedious to implement and are not scalable. SOAP introduces a standard messaging interface which is both scalable and easy to implement.

SOAP Communication

The SOAP message constructed by a SOAP Sender is sent to the SOAP Message Receiver. The Receiver usually processes the received message and sends a response in the form of a SOAP message back to the Sender. There may be scenarios where the Receiver might not send the response.

SOAP & Firewalls

Unlike other application communication methods which need special settings to bypass most of the corporate firewalls. SOAP is universally accepted by all firewalls when HTTP is the transport layer.

Disadvantage SOAP

SOAP messaging is slower compared to other messaging techniques like RPC, DCOM and CORBA. Because extra XML induces extra load on transport layer and extra processing on the receiver end.

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