Web services are the tools that allow users to interact with software over the Internet. Cloud services are the servers that store the data, security and other infrastructure pieces needed to allow Web services to provide unique value as Web-accessible applications. The two services are currently mingling, intertwining and becoming nearly inseparable. Even though they aren’t the same thing, they both work together to provide the maximum value of using either for a business. An observer can see the shift as all sizes of software companies offer a combined all-in-one Web and cloud service package. It’s like bundling in the insurance business. Bundling gives users the maximum impact of the service, while the parts can still be used separately if desired.
Web services provide developers methods of integrating Web applications over the Internet. XML, SOAP, WSDL and UDDI open standards are used to tag data, transfer data, describe and list services available. Web services allow organizations to share data without having direct access or knowledge of systems beyond the firewall. They’re essentially communicators for the organizations’ Web applications. The communicator is the API, which allows applications to interface with each other and link to GUIs to provide end-user applications.