An open set of standards for how systems connect to each other and communicate information. The standards are based on a distributed computing framework and provide a facility for applications or systems to collaborate regardless of location, hardware, or other implementation details.

A specification that provides transport-neutral mechanisms to address Web services and messages. See the WS-Addressing specification.

An XML grammar for describing network services as a set of endpoints operating on messages containing either document-oriented or procedure-oriented information. WSDL is the language used to express service contracts. For further information see the WSDL specification.

A specification that describes a protocol that allows messages to be delivered reliably between distributed applications in the presence of software component, system, or network failures.

An OASIS specification that describes enhancements to SOAP messaging to provide a means for applying security to Web services. For further details, see the WSS specification.

An EIP in which an messages are directed to an additional message channel in addition to the primary channel.

An international consortium where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards.