When you read data from a web service source, write data to a web service target, or transform data with a Web Services Consumer transformation, the PowerCenter Integration Service sends a SOAP request to a web services host. When the PowerCenter Integration Service sends a SOAP request, it requests a web service to perform a specified operation. The web service operation returns data to the PowerCenter Integration Service in a SOAP response.

The PowerCenter Integration Service sends SOAP requests to a web services host over HTTP. PowerExchange for Web Services supports only HTTP and HTTPS for SOAP request and response document transport.

When you use PowerExchange for Web Services to read, write, or transform web service data, the PowerCenter Integration Service uses the endpoint URL defined in the Web Service application connection or contained in the WSDL file to connect to the web services host. When the PowerCenter Integration Service connects to the web services host, it generates and sends a SOAP request using the metadata specified in the mapping. The SOAP request contains the information necessary to execute the web service. It contains any input data that the web service requires to perform the operation.