A comprehensive framework for evaluating web services composition methods

Abstract

Purpose Web services composition engineering (WSCE) is a big challenge because of the increasing complexity, openness and extensibility of services based on the information system (IS). In the absence of an adequate framework for IS engineering, the authors assume that the overall problem is consequently no longer easy to resolve. This paper aims to explore some of the issues underlying WSCE through a framework, which is built based on the state of the art. The proposed framework is structured around five views that mainly highlight aspects of personalization and security concerns. The main objectives of this framework are: to help understand and clarify the basics of the WSCE domain; to evaluate web services composition (WSC) methods; to analyze and compare existing personalization, secure methods and identify new research axes; and to identify the main criteria of the ongoing approach for the design of a secure IS based on personalized WSC. Design/methodology/approach This work develops a framework that is used as an analytical study to compare the existing WSCE methods and come up with research issues. Then, the proposed framework is considered as an abstract model for the new WSCE approach. Findings A set of criteria that the proposed framework should consider when developing a new approach to a secure IS based on personalized WSs composition. Research limitations/implications The paper has theoretical implications as the personalization and security issues provide a research roadmap toward the realization of an approach for the design of a secure IS based on personalized WSs composition. Practical implications As proof, the authors are interested in a web services repository of a real mall. To do this, the authors deployed the application in a cloud environment and observed the results of personalization and security concepts in WSCE. Originality/value None of the existing comparison frameworks has raised both personalization and security issues in WSs composition, while personalization and security must be present in the whole composition process.