JSON or XML over REST is certainly simpler and gaining popularity. The reason it isn't being broadcast on EWeek/etc is IBM, Microsoft and the rest of the tool

JSON or XML over REST is certainly simpler and gaining popularity. The reason it isn't being broadcast on EWeek/etc is IBM, Microsoft and the rest of the tool players haven't figured out how to sell you a tool that locks you into their proprietary stack. A key point the writer alludes to (and an IMPORTANT one) is that SOAP was hyped by tool vendors because it game them something to SELL you. There's really nothing to SELL with RESTful stuff, it just works and is inherent to the internet, therefore tool vendors aren't exactly pumped up about selling you anything.