Methods, apparatuses and systems that facilitate the classification of web
services network traffic. In one implementation, the present invention
provides an automated mechanism that facilitates synchronization of a web
services traffic classification database with the current or latest
definitions of one to a plurality of web services of interest. In one
implementation, the present invention processes interface definitions
corresponding to a given Web service to construct a traffic
classification configuration for the Web service, including one or more
traffic classes and corresponding matching rules or attributes for each
traffic class. In one implementation, the present invention automatically
creates traffic classes and matching rules that allow for differentiation
between the operations supported by a Web service. Implementations of the
present invention provide a mechanism allowing for classification of Web
services network traffic on a granular basis to enhance network
monitoring and analysis tasks, as well as network control functions, such
as bandwidth management, security and other functions.