SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)

• formatted as XML files
• PROS
  • completely agnostic of the programming language & processing platform
  • standardized format ensures that no matter what is receiving the message on the other end, the request can be executed.
  • native error handling already built-in
  • high-security data transmissions in situations where two parties have agreed to a specific legal contract.
• CONS
  • Standardization can lead to the format becoming very formal and verbose
  • The format is lagging behind newer, more flexible communication methods that offer more robust, sustainable results.