WebSphere Application Server V7.0: Concepts ... - IBM Redbooks

These intermediary nodes might handle quality of service and infrastructure
functions that are non-application specific. Examples include message logging,
routing, prioritization, and security. In general, intermediaries should not alter the
meaning of the message body.
A typical situation where you need to use intermediary SOAP nodes is where you
have an existing internal Web service implementation within your enterprise that
you now want to expose externally. There might be new requirements associated
with requests originating from outside of your organization, such as additional
interoperability requirements, increased security requirements, auditability of
requests, or contractual service-level agreements. These requirements can be
implemented using an intermediary SOAP node, or a Web service gateway.
Web service gateways
A Web service gateway is a middleware component that bridges the gap between
Internet and intranet environments during Web service invocations. It can be
used internally to provide the SOAP node functions as described previously. It
can also be used at the network boundary of the organization. Regardless of
where it is placed, it can provide some or all of the following functions:
► Automatic publishing of WSDL files to an external UDDI or WSIL registry
► Automatic protocol/transport mappings
► Security functions
► Mediation of message structure
► Proxy server for Web service communications through a firewall
► Auditing of SOAP messages
► Operational management and reporting of published interfaces
► Web service threat detection and defense
11.5 Support for Web services in WebSphere
Application Server
WebSphere Application Server V7.0 implements the Java EE 5 and Java SE 6
standards, and therefore it provides support for SOAP and for XML. The support
for Web services in WebSphere Application Server can also be combined with
the capabilities of an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) product such as WebSphere
Enterprise Service Bus or WebSphere Message Broker.
This section addresses how WebSphere Application Server V7.0 supports a
Web services architecture.
Chapter 11. Web services 371