Web services are application components that communicate using XML-based open standards and transport protocols to exchange data with calling customers. They are self-contained and self-describing and can be discovered using Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI). They can also be used by other applications and can be published, located and invoked on the web. HTTP and XML form the basis of web services. The Java Platform provides the XML and RESTful APIs and tools needed to quickly design, develop, test, and deploy web services and clients that fully interact with other web services and clients running on Java or non-Java platforms . REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style based on Web standards and the HTTP protocol. RESTFul web services are based on HTTP methods (POST, GET, PUT, DELETE). XML Web Services (JAX-WS) is used to develop web services and is part of the Java Development Kit (JDK). JAX-WS technology is used with other technologies, either from the core group or from more advanced web services. Security of web services is important as in any other communication technology. This is because businesses are willing to transact over the internet and also do not need human presence. There are limits to interaction between communicating entities. This means that all security requirements such as authentication, access control, non-repudiation, data integrity and confidentiality must be met by the underlying security technology: web services. This research paper will give details about the definition of Java web services, different types of web services, factors to consider when choosing a specific type of web services and...... middle of paper. ..... other standards-compliant web services from clients and servers.Works Cited1. International Journal of Web Services Research, Vol.6, No.4, 20092. http://www.w3schools.com/webservices/default.asp3. Unknown. Sun Java System Application Server Standard and Enterprise Edition 7 2004Q2 Web Services Developer's Guide. Retrieved from: http://docs.oracle.com/cd/E19644-01/817-5452/wsgoverview.html#wp10041274. http://www.techopedia.com/definition/26103/java-api-for-xml-web-services-jax-ws5. http://docs.oracle.com/javaee/6/tutorial/doc/giqsx.html6. http://www.javaworld.com/article/2073287/soa/secure-web-services.html7. http://www.javaranch.com/journal/200603/WSSecurity.html8. http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/webservices-136604.html9. http://docs.oracle.com/javaee/6/tutorial/doc/bnayl.html (JAX-WS)10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Jersey