What is a web service? Discuss the various web services in brief.

A web service is a software system or component that enables applications to communicate and exchange data over the Internet. Internet provides us a host of web services such as:

1. E-mail — E-mail allows users to send and receive written messages electronically. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly form of communication.
2. Chat — Chat is an online textual conversation happening in realtime. In chatting, the users can instantly send messages back and forth to each other, without caring about any syntax. Chatting can take place via websites in areas known as chat rooms.
3. Video Conferencing — Video Conferencing is a two-way videophone conversation among multiple participants. It allows multiple people, sitting at geographically different locations, to communicate with each other by exchanging video and audio at the same time.
4. E-learning — Electronic Learning refers to a wide range of applications and processes, designed to provide guidance and/or deliver information to students, faculties, or employees of the companies through electronic means.
5. E-banking — E-banking stands for electronic banking. It is the way of performing bank transactions using the Internet. A customer can do plenty of things using E-banking such as he can check the amount in his account, make a FD, transfer the money, apply for loans, etc.
6. E-shopping — E-shopping refers to buying products and services over the Internet. Online sellers describe their products and services through text, photos, and multimedia files. Consumers can purchase a vast variety of products and services from any part of the world.
7. E-reservation — E-reservation means making a reservation or appointment for a service via the Internet.
8. E-governance — E-governance stands for Electronic Governance. It refers to the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government processes, services, and communications.
9. E-group — An e-group is a virtual meeting place for individuals who share the common interests. It provides a platform for people to share information on topics of their interests, messages, and photo albums.
10. Social networking — A Social Networking Site is an online platform that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections.