Web services (sometimes called application services) are services
(usually including some combination of programming and data, but
possibly including human resources as well) that are made
available from a business's Web server for Web users or other Webconnected
programs. Providers of Web services are generally
known as application service provider s. Web services range from
such major services as storage management and customer
relationship management (CRM) down to much more limited
services such as the furnishing of a stock quote and the checking of
bids for an auction item. The accelerating creation and availability
of these services is a major Web trend.