Apache Axis2 is a web service engine. It is a complete redesign and re-write of the widely used Apache Axis SOAP stack. Implementations of Axis2 are available in Java and C. Axis2 provides the capability to add Web services interfaces to Web applications. It can also function as a standalone application server. Why Apache Axis2 A new architecture for Axis2 was introduced during the August 2004 Axis2 Summit in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Some concepts from Axis 1.x, like handlers etc., have been preserved in the new architecture. Apache Axis2 supports SOAP 1.1 and SOAP 1.2, and it has integrated support for the REST style of Web services. The same business-logic implementation can offer both a WS-* style interface as well as a REST/POX style interface simultaneously. Axis2/Java has support for Spring Framework. Axis2/C is a high-performance Web services implementation. It has been implemented with portability and ability to be embedded or hosted in Apache Httpd, Microsoft IIS or Axis Http Server. See article about Apache Axis2/C Performance (2008). Latest release occurred on 2009. Axis2 came with many new features, enhancements and industry specification implementations. Key features offered include: Axis2 Features Apache Axis2 includes support for following standards: WS-ReliableMessaging WS-Coordination Via Apache Kandula2 WS-AtomicTransaction Via Apache Kandula2 WS-SecurityPolicy Via Apache Rampart WS-Security Via Apache Rampart WS-Trust Via Apache Rampart WS-SecureConversation Via Apache Rampart SAML 1.1 Via Apache Rampart SAML 2.0 Via Apache Rampart WS-Addressing Module included as part of Axis2 core Below a list of features and selling points cited from the Apache axis site: Speed Axis2 uses its own object model and StAX (Streaming API for XML) . Low memory foot print Axis2 was designed ground-up keeping low memory foot print in mind. AXIOM Axis2 comes with its own light-weight object model, AXIOM Hot Deployment Axis2 is equipped with the capability of deploying Web services and handlers while the system is up and running. Asynchronous Web services Axis2 now supports asynchronous Web services and asynchronous Web services invocation using non-blocking clients and transports. MEP Support Axis2 now comes handy with the flexibility to support Message Exchange Patterns (MEPs) with in-built support for basic MEPs defined in WSDL 2.0. Flexibility The Axis2 architecture gives the developer complete freedom to insert extensions into the engine for custom header processing, system management, and anything else you can imagine. Stability Axis2 defines a set of published interfaces. Component-oriented Deployment You can define reusable networks