The process of converting an object from a binary form to a text-based form to transmit data over a network. For example, in the Actuate Information Delivery API (IDAPI), an Apache Axis Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) processor serializes, or transforms, a remote procedure call (RPC) by a client application from a binary program form to an Extensible Markup Language (XML) SOAP message. This message requests Actuate BIRT iServer to perform a web service. The application sends the request across the network using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) transport layer. The SOAP processor embedded in the IDAPI client application framework automates serialization and deserialization of JavaBeans, relieving the developer of the necessity to program a client application at this level. IDAPI also supports the Microsoft .NET framework for developing a client application that uses a SOAP processor. The serialization and deserialization code is visible in the IDAPI com.actuate.schemas classes.
