Introduction to web services

Web services are messages in Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) that are sent to and from the Companies Office in the prescribed format.  They are designed to allow rapid multiple searches, and to allow external users to build their own interface to conduct searches.  A major advantage is they can be developed and deployed within many different technology environments.

An important consideration is the Companies Office does not provide the software required in order to generate the XML.  This must be developed by those wishing to use the web services.  At the time of writing it is not possible to purchase ‘off the shelf’ software for this purpose.  Software developed must be able to generate, send and receive XML files over https.

FAQs

• What web services are available?
• Who should consider using web services?
• Are there any costs for setting up web services?

What web services are available?

It is possible to perform the following searches via web services:

• Current Name
• Historic Name
• Director
• Shareholder
• Address
• Banned Director or Managers
• PPSR Charges by Company number
• Company amendments

Who should consider using web services?

High volume searchers on the Companies Office site are the people most likely to benefit.  Also organisations that wish to create their own searching interface, for example on their own corporate intranet, may find web services of use as well.

Any organisation considering using web services must consider if they have the technical expertise to develop the necessary software.  This is a task not to be undertaken lightly.

Are there any costs for setting up web services?

The Companies Office does not charge for the creation of web services.  At this time the only fee bearing web services transaction is the PPSR Charges search.

It is likely that you will incur your own development costs.