According to Microsoft and IBM officials, the tools for implementing the specifications will be available from both companies. When asked if the code for deploying the new spec would be open-sourced, IBM's Sutor said, "The first step before open-sourcing it is to put out an implementation of WS Security on our Alphaworks Web site where it can be downloaded as a part of Web Services Toolkit." However, before downloading that toolkit, users must agree to IBM's "Alphaworks Evaluation and End User License Agreement." This agreement makes clear that the toolkit may be used for evaluation purposes only and that it cannot be used in a "normal business production environment."

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tivity around digital signatures. According to the press release from the three companies, WS-Security will also "provide standard mechanisms to exchange secure, signed messages in a Web services environment."

According to Microsoft and IBM officials, the tools for implementing the specifications will be available from both companies. When asked if the code for deploying the new spec would be open-sourced, IBM's Sutor said, "The first step before open-sourcing it is to put out an implementation of WS Security on our Alphaworks Web site where it can be downloaded as a part of Web Services Toolkit." However, before downloading that toolkit, users must agree to IBM's "Alphaworks Evaluation and End User License Agreement." This agreement makes clear that the toolkit may be used for evaluation purposes only and that it cannot be used in a "normal business production environment."

Depending on whether Microsoft and IBM decide to make the specification available on a royalty-free-basis, those looking to make use of it may have no choice but to turn to IBM and Microsoft to secure Web services, since no W3C standard currently exists. Also, in absence of any royalty-free declarations from the two companies, competitors such as Sun, BEA, and Oracle may end up having to pay royalties should they wish to deploy products or services that support the spec.

Such a move may be a continuation of what some Microsoft and IBM competitors see as a response to the W3C's stiffening position on patents and their role with respect to Web standards. Another move was Microsoft and IBM's creation of the Web Services Interoperability Organization (WS-I). Originally, the WS-I stimulated a controversy surrounding Sun's omission from its board. Although Sun's stature in the land grab for Web services recognition may have been compromised by the dubious conditions under which the WS-I was formed, some wonder whether IBM and Microsoft may have had their sights set on something bigger than Sun. Were they attempting an end run around the W3C's royalty-free policy, taking control of the standards setting process, and putting themselves in a position to erect toll booths over the Internet?

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