Web services aren't exactly old hat, but the technology is riding higher on the maturation curve.
Fundamental concerns about interoperability and security have eased in recent months. The Web Services Interoperability Organization's WS-I Basic Profile provides some assurance that Web services built with different tools will work together.
The Web Services Security standard, ratified in April 2004, also boosts confidence in the technology. The focus of those guiding Web services' evolution is now shifting to other areas.
