Techniques for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such
as by providing an electronic Web service ("WS") marketplace via which
third-party WS providers make their WSes available to third-party WS
consumers who locate and purchase access to those WSes via the electronic
marketplace. Some or all available WSes may have associated use prices
and or non-price use conditions, and if so access to those WSes may be
provided only if a consumer requesting access provides appropriate
payment and otherwise satisfies the specified use conditions. In some
situations, WS consumers may also purchase subscriptions to provide later
access to registered WSes. This abstract is provided to comply with rules
requiring it, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be
used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.