Web Services
While 'Web Services' may sound like a generic term, it actually describes a modern way of conducting business over the Internet, making it easier for your customers and partners to do business with you.
Web Services characterise a systematic way for one application to implement a process of another application. Web Services are platform independent and work with any programming language.
When a company utilises Web Services, it can offer its customers services and transactions than can be automated by way of the Internet. This can effectively erase at least one stage in the process, saving both company and client time and money. In the long run, this means decreasing development costs and greater customer relationship satisfaction.
Several advantages of offering your customers web services include: low cost; direct integration (customers can use your service from their own software and websites); simplicity and ease of use of the technology which lets existing staff do more with less; and being able to be easily found in the global marketplace.