SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a lightweight platform and language neutral communication protocol that allows programs to communicate via standard Internet HTTP protocol.

To learn more about the SOAP, read our SOAP tutorial.

SOAP 1.1 was suggested in note to W3C in May 2000 (by Developmentor,  IBM, Lotus, Microsoft, and Userland), as a protocol for exchanging information in a distributed environment.

The W3C SOAP 1.1 document is only a NOTE available for the discussion. The publication of the note indicate no endorsement by the W3C.

The XML Protocol Working Group at W3C is currently working on the SOAP 1.2.

The first working drafts were published on 17. December 2001.

SOAP 1.2 was released as the W3C Recommendation 24. June 2003.

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