Web services are the building blocks of modern Service Oriented Architectures (SOAs). When used properly, they offer excellent interoperability for an ever-increasing range of enterprise requirements. But before you can achieve the benefits you have to navigate the hazards, starting with basic choices such as REST vs. SOAP and going on to issues of interface structuring, XML Schema compatibility, and service evolution over time. XML and Web Services consultant Dennis Sosnoski gives you the guidance you need to make informed decisions on all these areas, including a look at the capabilities for reliable messaging and transactional operations being added by the new generation of SOAP Web services frameworks. Want to get to SOA? Despite what some vendors say, you don't always need to take a bus...