Systems, methods and computer program products supporting provision of web services using IMS

#The present invention relates generally to distributed computing and, more particularly, to delivering web services.

#The Internet protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is a standard that has been developed to define the control and integration of multimedia services in a core, packet-switched network. In particular, the IMS architecture defines a set of logical functions that use a signaling protocol known as the session initiation protocol (SIP) to establish communication sessions in an IP network. A “session” may be, for example, a one-to-one voice call or a more complex interaction, such as a one-to-many conference call involving multimedia services. SIP may also be used to facilitate voice over IP (VoIP) services, in which voice is transported in IP data packets that are re-assembled and converted into an audio signal for the recipient. IMS may be characterized as a standardized way to connect IP devices and networks using SIP.

#A web service is a reusable piece of software that interacts by exchanging messages over a network. Commonly, web services use Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), a protocol for exchanging XML-based messages. A common messaging pattern in SOAP is the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) pattern, in which one a web service requester sends a request message to a web service provider, and the web service provider sends a response message that provides the requested service, for example, the result of applying a particular procedure based on parameters passed in the web service request.

#Other features of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an IMS network and operations thereof in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a flowchart that illustrates operations for providing web services according to some embodiments of the present invention;

#While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Like reference numbers signify like elements throughout the description of the figures.

#As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

#Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.