Simple Object Access Protocol

Simple Object Access Protocol (also known by its common moniker, SOAP) is a way to exchange information and messages over the Internet. It traditionally uses the common Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (or HTTP) to do this, and can handle most pages written using Extensible Markup Language (XML). It provides a basic framework of messaging operation that can be easily built on.

Still confused? No problem: the flurry of acronyms and coding jargon can be difficult for even the most experienced programmer to plow through. The best way to think of SOAP is as a piece of middleware technology that helps facilitate the transfer of digital information over computer networks such as the Internet, as well as internal office intranets. As middleware, it is really more of a form than content.

Whenever two computers communicate with one another, a certain set of protocols and standards must be immediately established, so that these two computers can recognize and process their fellows’ information. These protocols serve as a sort of common vocabulary, which the computers involved can draw on to make themselves understood. Given the right set of protocols, two computers with slightly incompatible operating systems (like a Macintosh and a Windows platform) can even get talking.

SOAP defines a sort of an architectural ground layer, from which these differing protocols can grow. Abstract layers are added on like so many sandwich layers, depending on the complexity of the system and the messages involved. The final result is the transfer of a complete page of information from one computer to another.

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