calling webservice from mainframe batch cobol program

Question

Currently, we are connecting getting information from web service through cobol by using "db2 xml" "SOAP HTTP NV".

Currently using sql mentioned below,

exec sql                                                             
              select                                                           
                db2xml.soaphttpnv
                (:internet protocol address,:webservice namespace,:soap xml schema
                  structure)                     
                  into :varchar-output                                           
              from sysibm.sysdummy1                                             
end-exec.  

I am pondering the possibilities on hitting the web service without intervention of db2.

I came accross z/os connect ee. I am looking forward to find out the components that would be required in z/os connect to ensure calling SOAP based webservice from cobol(without intervention of db2).

Any suggestions from stalwarts and experts who have achieved this would be much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You could also use IBMs z/OS HTTP/HTTPS Protocol Enabler to invoke services. We do this in batch programs and IMS transactions. Check https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSLTBW_2.2.0/com.ibm.zos.v2r2.ieac100/ieac1-client-web-enablement.htm for more information.

Answer 2

z/OS Connect EE only supports RESTful web services using JSON, not SOAP. You can do requests outbound using something called "API requester".

"Configuring z/OS Connect EE to support API requesters" in the IBM Knowledge Center gives details.