Why and when to perform this task
The W3C SOAP Messages with Attachments document describes a standard way to associate a SOAP message with one or more attachments in their native format (for example GIF or JPEG) by using a multipart MIME structure for transport. It defines specific use of the "Multipart/Related" MIME media type, and rules for the use of URI references to entities bundled within the MIME package. It thereby outlines a technique for carrying a SOAP 1.1 message within a MIME multipart/related message in such a way that the SOAP processing rules for a standard SOAP message are not changed.
The Web Services Invocation Framework (WSIF) supports passing attachments in a MIME message using the SOAP provider. The attachment is a javax.activation.DataHandler object. The mime:multipartRelated, mime:part and mime:content tags are used to describe the attachment in the WSDL.
Related concepts
Using complex types
Related tasks
Using
the WSIF providers
Developing a WSIF service
Using the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI)
Interacting with the J2EE container in WebSphere Application Server
Running WSIF as a client