WEBENTREE - A WEB SERVICE AGGREGATOR

This technical note introduces IBM's WebEntree, a single-log-in Web se rvice aggregator WebEntree provides an aggregated Web service on top o f distributed Web service systems las components) with a centralized a ccess control and content customization facility. Each service system can have its own access control facility and provide its own independe nt service. WebEntree implements a flexible and dynamic component-bund ling mechanism, and can provide personalized service with user-selecte d component sets. WebEntree offers a convenient way for new components to be ''plugged in'' and ''played.'' The owner of the aggregated Web service can keep each component's original branding, add more informat ion, filter out certain content, or customize the presentations. WebEn tree also provides a single user registration and authentication inter face for all of its user-selectable service components. WebEntree curr ently accommodates Web service components invoked via HyperText Transf er Protocol (HTTP, Le., under a Web server) and service components inv oked directly from local or remote application programming interfaces. Other component interfaces are planned.