XML-RPC

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

XML-RPC provides a simple, cross-platform remote procedure calling protocol that enables software on different operating systems and environments to invoke procedures over the Internet via HTTP using XML encoding.

Target Customer

Software developers and IT teams needing cross-language RPC over HTTP; developers building or consuming XML-RPC/MetaWeblog APIs and related tooling (Node.js and browser clients are mentioned).

Key Differentiator

A historical, simple RPC protocol designed for easy implementation across environments, with explicit support for complex data structures, an experimental JSON encoding variant, and integrated debugging/validation tooling.

Implementation Timeline

Not specified; the protocol emphasizes ease of implementation and testing, suggesting potential for rapid value delivery.

Pain Points

1Need for interoperable remote procedure calls across diverse environments and languages
2Desire for a lightweight, easy-to-implement protocol compatible with CGI/HTTP infrastructure
3Requirement for a firewall-friendly RPC mechanism that relies on standard HTTP POST with XML

Key Features

1HTTP POST transport with XML encoding for RPC calls
2Supports complex data structures (struct, array) and various scalar types
3Optional JSON encoding variant (experimental) for interop
4Debugger and validation tooling, example code, reference client/server implementations
5Legacy and ongoing specification dating back to 1998, with related APIs (e.g., MetaWeblog API)

Target Customer Industries

Competitive Advantages

1Cross-environment interoperability across disparate systems
2Simple and easy to implement design
3Firewall-friendly approach using standard HTTP POST with text/xml
4Ability to transmit complex data structures and a range of data types
5Supporting tooling (debugger/validator) and example code to accelerate adoption

Key Benefits

1Interoperability across platforms and languages

2Simplicity and ease of implementation

3Support for rich data types (struct, array) and standard primitives

4Debugging/validation tooling and example code

5Experimental JSON encoding for interop when needed

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A protocol and set of implementations that enable remote procedure calls over the Internet using HTTP as the transport and XML as the encoding, with support for multiple data types and structures; includes JavaScript/Node.js implementations and an experimental JSON variant, along with debugging/validation tools.

Target Market

Developers and organizations requiring cross-language RPC capabilities over HTTP, particularly those building or consuming XML-RPC or MetaWeblog API integrations.

Unique Value Proposition

A lightweight, interoperable RPC protocol that is easy to implement across environments, supports complex data structures, and includes practical tooling and an experimental JSON encoding option.

Technical Requirements

HTTP POST with Content-Type: text/xml; payload is an XML-RPC <methodCall> containing <methodName> and <params> with <param><value> types; supports types such as i4/int, boolean, string, double, dateTime.iso8601, base64, struct, and array; 32-bit integers; forward-compatible with the option to include a JSON-encoded variant by inspecting the first non-whitespace character.

Pricing Model

Royalty-free: Any party may implement this protocol for commercial or non-commercial purposes without royalty or license fees to UserLand.

Companies Solving Similar Problems

Based on matching: problems solved, key features, industries

Y Combinator

Y Combinator helps startups make something people want by providing early-stage funding, mentorship, and a strong network.

Technology

E-commerce

BuiltWith Web Technology Usage Trends

BuiltWith provides detailed web technology usage statistics and insights for businesses and developers.

Technology

E-commerce

SentientJobs

SentientJobs provides a comprehensive job board for AI, human, and hybrid positions, helping individuals find career opportunities in the evolving workforce landscape.

Technology

Public Relations

JBITSS Technology Solutions

Providing comprehensive technology solutions tailored to business needs.

Technology

Finance

goQR.me QR Code Generator

goQR.me QR Code Generator provides free QR code creation for commercial and print usage, including logo-enabled codes and vector exports (EPS/SVG) for high-quality print.