It can be called as a framework,provides xml format for data transfer between applcation in network..Obviously because it is using XML format it provides platform independent.
For Example Webservices use SOAP for accessing the webservice found in internet..The webservices may be developed or running on any platform even then it can be called from a windows platform.Not only in Webservices it is also used in Remoting also..
The soap format is,
<?xml version="1.0"?> <soap:envelope> <soap:header> --- --- -- </soap:header> <soap:body> ----- ---- --Has info in XML format which fn to call ---- ---- </soap:body> </soap:envelope>
A better way to communicate between applications is over HTTP, because HTTP is supported by all Internet browsers and servers. SOAP was created to accomplish this.