Web services business models supported
The properties and benefits of using a service-oriented architecture (SOA) such as Web services is well suited for binding small modules that perform independent tasks within a highly heterogeneous e-business model. Web services can be easily wrapped around existing applications in your business model and plugged into different business processes.
For connecting to a large monolithic system that does not allow the implementation of different flexible business processes, other approaches might be better suited, for example, to satisfy specialized features, such as performance or security.
The following business models are easily implemented by using an architecture including Web services:
- Business information
Sharing of information with consumers or other businesses. Web services can be used to expand the reach through such services as news streams, local weather reports, integrated travel planning, and intelligent agents.
- Business integration
Providing transactional, fee-based services for customers. A global network of suppliers can be easily created. Web services can be implemented in auctions, e-marketplaces, and reservation systems.
- Business process externalization
Web services can be used to model value chains by dynamically integrating processes to a new solution within an organizational unit or even with those of other e-businesses. This can be achieved by dynamically linking internal applications to new partners and suppliers, to offer their services to complement internal services.
![[V5.1 and later]](../../v51x.gif)
To see how these models are implemented using all
aspects of Web services, see Web
services scenario: Overview which tells the story of a fictional online
garden supply retailer named Plants by WebSphere and how they incorporate
the Web services concept.
Web services: Resources for learning