Representational State Transfer (REST) based presentation layers for OGSA-DAI

Primary Mentor: Charaka Palansuriya
Secondary Mentor: [To be allocated]

Background

Currently OGSA-DAI uses a number of SOAP based presentation layers, e.g., Apache Axis and CXF.
However, implementation of an alternative, lightweight presentation layer based on REST is highly desirable.

The new REST based presentation layer will allow more natural integration of OGSA-DAI services with
web browser based clients.

Project Goals

1. Design a new OGSA-DAI Web Service presentation layer utilizing the REST architecture style

2. Implement the REST based presentation layer

3. Do a performance comparison between REST vs SOAP OGSA-DAI presentation layers

Project Description

A lightweight REST based presentation layer would not only improve OGSA-DAI performance but would simplify creation of bespoke (e.g. web browser based) clients. Designing a sensible REST API, especially for a system of the size of OGSA-DAI, is not a simple process. Therefore before jumping into implementation of the REST presentation layer, we need to spend some time on careful design. Some initial design ideas are available to start up the process.

Project Requirements

Java, XML, Java Web Services, REST.

Further Information

OGSA-DAI web site, http://www.ogsadai.org.uk/

Building Web Services the REST Way, http://www.xfront.com/REST-Web-Services.html