Web Services Platform Architecture(c) SOAP, WSDL, WS-Policy, WS-Addressing, WS-BP[. .. ] More

16.1. Scenario Description

When customers buy hardware, they have the option of selecting additional service packages, called service packs. Service packs are bundled support services, such as on-site repair, hardware warranties, and so on. One can purchase service packs when buying the hardware or later, within certain conditions. The set of service packs that a customer can buy must be validated by the manufacturer to ensure certain criteria are met, including the following:

• The service packs are compatible with products that the customer has purchased.

• The service packs are consistent with each other. Sometimes interdependencies might exist between service packs.

• The service packs selected are available within the country in which the customer is located: Certain service packs are available only in certain countries.

• The purchase is within the time period allowed for acquiring additional service packs.

In a large organization consisting of several divisions that offer many hardware products, the systems that perform each of the verifications might be hosted in various locations and operate under different environments.