RE: Proposed text on reliability in the web services architecture

Mike Champion wrote:
> Just recall that many of
> the use cases for Web services include the integration of applications
> that CANNOT be redesigned.  If you can debunk my mistaken assertions
> that REST doesn't work for this use case, go for it.

Without getting into the REST argument, think about most
deployed ERP apps (excluding maybe the newest releases).
They have no idea how to conduct an external conversation.

For example, they assume that all incoming POs have been
accepted by them, and all outgoing ones will be accepted
by the vendors.

So if you want to connect them to any notion of an external
offer-acceptance interaction, whether REST or SOAP or
otherwise, you will need a mediating layer of software
to manage the external conversation.

(I know people are putting the things directly on the Web
here and there, but it won't last long.)

My point is that regardless of external communication style,
the legacy ERP app will need adapters and mediators,
but will not need to be redesigned from the ground up.

Am I missing something?