Web service technology enables you to provide dynamic e-business solutions. It opens up a new set of possibilities for collaboration between your businesses and partners. Regardless of the low-code platforms or runtime environments, web services connect applications to one another both inside and outside the company. The integrated web services for IBM allow you to externalize integrated language environment (ILE) program objects as web services. Also, it lets you externalize the consumption of a web service by an ILE program object. Hence, it can effectively support web services and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). In this post, you will find a knowledge guide covering everything related to Integrated Web Services for IBM i. Let’s dive in.
What Are The Web Services?
Web services are XML-based information exchange systems. They are considered to be a standardized medium of communication between the client and server applications. They utilize the Internet for direct application-to-application interaction. The exchange systems can include programs, objects, messages, or documents.
What Are The Integrated Web Services For IBM i?
The integrated web services for IBM i is a solution that enables Integrated Language Environment (ILE) applications to play in the web services and service-oriented architecture (SOA) arena. It refers to two technologies for IBM AS400 RPG: the IWS Server and the IWS clients for ILE.
The IWS server serves as a fully functional server. Here, you can install ILE-based program entities as web services. On the other hand, the IWS client for ILE delivers a mechanism to generate service artifacts. It allows RPG, COBOL, C, and C++ to act as web services or API consumers.
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How Does A Web Service Work On IBM i Server?
The web server allows you to conveniently externalize existing RPG or COBOL programs as web services. It allows web service clients to interact with IBM i program-based services from the Internet. It performs the interaction by utilizing industry standard communication protocol, like SOAP.
If you want to access RPG programs as Web Services, the IBM Toolbox for Java can be very useful. You can use it to develop a Java Web Service to call the program. It will return the results as XML messages according to the web services specifications.
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What Are The Features And Benefits Of Integrated Web Services For IBM?
- Easy to use: Integrated Web Services (IWS) is very easy to use. It comes with the web administrative GUI front end. It enables you to conveniently monitor the server and deployed web services.
- Powerful: IBM has built the web services server on the integrated application server. It is lightweight but very powerful. It offers best-in-class technologies in support of SOAP and RESTful web services.
- Focus on your core capabilities: IWS for IBM doesn’t require you to acquire new skills or tools. It allows you to deploy ILE-based web services by utilizing existing expertise. Therefore, you don’t have to rewrite your core infrastructure. It helps you to focus on your core capabilities and provide better value for your customers.
What Is The Integrated Web Services Server for IBM i?
The integrated web services for IBM i is a term that describes two important IBM i technologies. They are: the integrated web services server and the integrated web services client for ILE.
How Can I Externalize IBM i Programs As Web Services?
You can easily externalize IBM i program or service program as a web service by utilizing the Install New Service wizard. It allows you to conveniently specify the program object and choose the program export procedures. Here are the steps:
1. First, you need to get access to the IBM Web Administration for i from your browser.
2. Next, you have to select the Manage.
3. Then you have to choose the Application Servers.
4. Next, you need to select the Web services server from the Server.
5. Then click on Install New Service. It will launch the wizard.
6. Now, you can install your program as Web services by completing the wizard. If you face any issues, click on the “?” icon. It will display helpful information.
What Is Web Services Client For ILE?
The web services client is an application for sending and receiving SOAP messages. It is integrated into IBM i. It provides a mechanism to generate service artifacts. Also, the web services client allows ILE to function as a service consumer. Hence, it can call a variety of web service implementations such as RPG, COBOL, C++, Java, PHP, .NET, etc.
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What Are The Enhancements To Integrated Web Services?
The enhancements to IWS refer to the upgraded features of the integrated web services. Since the introduction, it has gone through several updates. It has significantly enhanced the capabilities of the system.
The enhancements to IWS come in different forms. For example, IBM makes some of the enhancements available to in-service releases by utilizing Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs). It is a temporary solution to bypass diagnosed issues. You can find more information about the integrated web services support on IBM support ( https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/633935 ).
How Do I Get Started With IBM i Integrated Web Services With LANSA?
LANSA and IBM i integrated web services provide you with powerful capabilities. For example, you can use the technology to integrate legacy applications with modern apps. It provides several key advantages. For example, the cost of developing a new application can be too high. By helping you integrate legacy tools with modern apps, LANSA and IBM i integrated web services can save you a lot of money. You can get started with numerous blog posts available on the LANSA blog. Also, you can check the documentation or contact us.
