Challenges to Web Service Implementations

There were a few topics that we did not get a chance to cover in class simply due to our time constraints.  I'd really like to highlight 1 of those issues since I've got a little time on my hands.

Considerations and Challenges In Implementing Web Services

1. Web service implementation adds to the complexity of your organization's architecture.
• You are adding an additional layer to your architecture that requires additional development time and maintenance.  Ongoing maintenance must be performed, of course.
• Due to the very nature of web services - namely, the integration of different systems/data in the background - you add complexity.
2. There are additional requirements for time and resources devoted to testing the web service functionality.
3. In this modern "web age", high availability is expected (24 hours a day of possible activity). 
• Thus, you must ensure that your web services are implemented in such a way as to minimize any downtime. 
• Any downtime of these services can negatively impact the image that your "consumers" will have of your organization's.
4. There must be continuous monitoring of the web services for reliability.
• People expect the services to operate efficiently and effectively, according to their published descriptions.  Thus, it will be important to conduct periodic monitoring to ensure that they are meeting expectations.
5. Due to the extra web exposure, your services could become corrupted.  You will need to implement additional security measures.