Patent ID: 7818331
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving a computer service request from a consumer system at a service provider, the computer service comprising a web service, the computer service having metadata for use in operating the computer service, the metadata including one or more types for variables that are used in the operation of the computer service, each type including a set of enumerated allowed values for a variable; configuring a first connection between the consumer system and the service provider, the first connection being a metadata connection for transfer of the metadata from the service provider to the consumer system; providing the set of enumerated allowed values for each of the variables from the service provider to the consumer system via the first connection; subsequent to providing the enumerated allowed values for the variables via the first connection, configuring a second connection between the consumer system and the service provider, the second connection being a service connection to provide access to the computer service for the consumer system; and invoking the computer service in response to a request made by the consumer system via the second connection; wherein the consumer system does not maintain the sets of enumerated allowed values for the variables.