The Actuate Information Delivery API framework contains the client-side bindings that the Actuate IDAPI application requires to implement SOAP processing. The SOAP processor serializes, or transforms a remote procedure call by the application into an XML-based SOAP message that asks BIRT iHub to perform a web service. The application sends the request across the network using the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) transport layer.

BIRT iHub receives the request and deserializes the SOAP message. BIRT iHub performs an appropriate action and sends a response, in the form of a SOAP message, back to the application.

The SOAP processor embedded in the Actuate Information Delivery API framework automates the serialization and deserialization of SOAP messages, relieving the developer of the necessity to program the application at this level.

The following topics describe these key elements of the framework as background information to provide the developer with an understanding of the way the Actuate Information Delivery API framework operates: