Web services: Will it bring profound change?

Web services is set to drastically change the way applications are built, software re-used, existing systems integrated and business-to-business (B2B) interactions defined.

However, we`re not quite there yet. Danny Ilic, business development owner: enterprise management and security at Computer Associates Africa, evaluates why Web services will succeed, but also highlights what stumbling blocks still need to be overcome to achieve widespread adoption.

As with anything that is immature, Web services technology will inevitably go through phases of being "mixed up" and "misunderstood" before achieving widespread adoption, especially in SA.

End-users today are well aware of the potential benefits of Web services - specifically the associated standards, but they are also very conscious of the technology`s current limitations.

According to research group Ovum, few organisations believe that it will be easy to derive the promised benefits of Web services technology.

Both vendors and users must remember that like component-based development, Web services technology provides a framework that has to be applied properly in order to be effective.

Importantly, it also up to us, the solution providers, to not only develop great Web services technology, but to also give great advice on how to implement and use it optimally.

Web services can be described as a "component for all seasons" as it allows applications to be developed as a collection of collaborating systems - making it easier to integrate and even re-use.

However, the "killer advantage" of Web services is that it doesn`t mandate a programming paradigm, language or deployment platform. So, although this neutrality may not count for much in a smaller organisation, very few large organisations can afford not to take advantage of it.

Web services can also be characterised as "middleware for mortals", therefore, driving simplicity that benefits all enterprises. Basically, any developer with reasonable skills can create and publish a Web service, the same simplicity does not necessarily apply to other distributed middleware technologies.

The foundation standards that make up the Web services protocol stack (HTTP, XML, SOAP and WSFL) are also simple, well publicised and understood.

Importantly, Web services have broad industry support, something that is not likely to change. The vendor community recognises that integration and interoperability are increasingly important issues.

Essentially, the benefits of Web services flow through the whole software market, from development tool vendors to the makers of packaged applications.

Although Web services standards need to evolve to support more sophisticated services, it can also have an impact on the technology`s simplicity.

Developers, therefore, have to walk a fine line between adding the level of functionality needed to promote adoption, and adding so much complexity that potential adopters are put off.

Also, hyping Web services as the "cure for all ills" can also deter potential adopters. So, while it is important to emphasise and demonstrate its benefits, it is even more important to highlight what it can do today.

It is key that vendors understand what end-users want - not merely propagating Web services evolution, the role it could play and how people should use it. Keeping the real world in mind is an important differentiator.

One of the most difficult challenges faced today by component developers is interface design. The goal is to create an interface that delivers enough function to be valuable, while also being generic enough to be reusable.

As their component peers, Web services developers face a similar challenge, striking that all-important balance that is crucial to the technology`s success

The initial wave of Web services hype is over. Companies have met the B2B "silver bullet" with scepticism - putting a dampener on any vendor enthusiasm.

Disappointingly, it took the vendor community more than a year to realise that Web services adoption wasn`t going to bring about an overnight renaissance in B2B e-commerce.

So, where does it leave Web services providers then? Essentially, they must understand the priorities of end-user IT, what the pain points are and demonstrate that they can deliver rapid ROI (return on investment), reduce complexity, reduce risks, enable cost reduction in legacy IT and offer tangible business benefits.

Research authority IDC estimates that the worldwide revenue for Web services applications, development and information access software will reach $521 billion by 2007.

This is indeed a significant and something to look forward to.

Currently much of the software sold to support and use with Web services solutions isn`t necessarily Web services-centric, but this will dynamic will definitely change within the next few years.

Lastly, companies such as CA already support all the major Web services initiatives and platforms, offering key management and security solutions that will further the technology`s widespread adoption.