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Home / Glossary / SOAP
Glossary · Protocol

SOAP

Simple Object Access Protocol

In plain language

An older, formal way for software systems to send requests and answers to each other over the web.

The metaphor

Like a business letter template two computers use to ask each other for things.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Messages are written in XML.
  • Strict rules make it dependable but wordy.
  • Many older business systems still use it.
  • Newer services often use simpler formats.
In practice
  • A bank system connects using it.
  • An old accounting tool exchanges data this way.
  • A developer links two systems.

A question owners ask

Does it matter to my business?

Only if a vendor says an integration uses it. The developer handles it.

Related terms
AHAuthentication HeaderARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBGPBorder Gateway ProtocolCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication ProtocolCRCCyclical Redundancy CheckEAPExtensible Authentication ProtocolESPEncapsulated Security Payload

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