Which of the following is a protocol specification for the exchange of structured information in web services?

The correct choice is the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), as it is specifically designed for the exchange of structured information in web services. SOAP is a protocol that allows different applications to communicate over the internet by sending messages in a standardized XML format. This standardization is critical for ensuring that diverse systems can understand and process the communicated information, regardless of the underlying hardware or software differences.

SOAP not only defines the message structure but also provides guidelines on how these messages should be sent and the rules for services, thereby facilitating interoperability between different platforms and technologies. It can also include provisions for security, transaction management, and error handling, which enhances its functionality in web services.

The other options touch on related aspects of web services but do not specifically refer to a proven protocol for structured information exchange in the way that SOAP does. For instance, while being standards-based can refer to the overall adherence to web standards, it doesn’t specify any particular protocol. Reliance on XML highlights a format used in web services but does not define how the data is structured or exchanged, and built-in error handling could describe features of a protocol but is not a protocol itself.

By focusing on SOAP, we underscore its role as a robust and well-defined standard for web services communication, crucial