Latest version awaits final review The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) released the proposed recommendation for the SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) 1.2 specification Wednesday, saying that the protocol is cleaned up and in a strong position for final review.The group called the latest version of the XML (Extensible Markup Language) protocol for exchanging structured information in a decentralized environment, such as the Web, “lightweight” and flexible.Over 400 issues have been resolved, including 150 from SOAP 1.1, according to the group, and the protocol has now been sent on to the W3C membership for final review, which closes June 7. SOAP 1.2 consists of the SOAP 1.2 Messaging Framework, SOAP 1.2 Adjuncts, and a Primer. The Messaging Framework provides a message construct, a processing model and an extensibility framework, whereas the Adjuncts defines a set of adjuncts such as rules for encoding SOAP messages.Additionally, the cleaned up protocol integrates core XML technologies, the group said, and works with W3C XML schemas.The protocol has gone through several working drafts and reviews, and the W3C now believes that it is ready for widespread adoption. A spokeswoman for the group in France added that SOAP 1.2 is “in good standing,” and that it has already been implemented for 7 projects.The over 400 organizations that are members of the consortium now have a month to give their final stamp of approval. Software DevelopmentTechnology IndustryApplication IntegrationSmall and Medium Business