Complete novice question - do I need a web service for this?

[mtait]

Hi - I'm not sure if I need a web service, and am looking for advice,

I have an .net2 web application for consultants, where it shows if they have
availability which can be booked - each of the consultants also have their
own website, and a couple have now asked if it's possible to show the
availability 'live' on their site (currently, they add a link to their site,
which opens up the calendar on my server, for their time - so people can book
their time).

The websites they have are in all different languages (php, asp the most
common) - would a web service, automatically return XML which they could use
in a php/asp application, which could run on their web site - for example, as
a ticker type display, or anything else they choose?

I've heard about web services - but I really don't yest have a grasp of what
they are for. Would it help achieve what I'm being asked above, and if so,
where can I look for straightforward examples (preferably in .net2 vb), to
get me started?

Thanks for any help,

Mark

 

[mtait]

Hi Simon - thank you. The people who want to use it, as opposed to a popup
to my application, will have to get someone to write a 'reader' in their
chosen language to call the web service. I just thought making the data
available through a webservice, would help them integrate it in any way they
choose on their site (calendar, ticker etc etc).

Does a web service (if I were to select it in Visual Studio) return XML by
default - or do I need to program it in a specific way? Are there any simple
examples so I can start learning?

Thanks again, Mark

 

[mtait]

Simon - thank you. The link you sent looks exactly like where I should start
to learn.

All the best with your project too.

Cheers, Mark