The initServiceClient callback method is used to perform protocol-specific initialization on the service client object after it has been created but before the request is made. For SOAP services, this step is required to configure the dw.ws.Port object by setting the Web Service Definition Language (WSDL) reference, the specific port, and the operation to be invoked. These configurations are fundamental to how the SOAP protocol operates. While other callbacks like createRequest and parseResponse are used for both SOAP and other service types (e.g., HTTP/REST), the detailed client setup in initServiceClient is a distinct and necessary requirement for SOAP integrations.

1. Salesforce B2C Commerce Cloud Infocenter

dw.svc.ServiceCallback Class: The official API documentation describes initServiceClient(serviceClient) as "Called after the service client has been created. Can be used to configure the client before the request is made." This is the designated point for SOAP-specific client setup. (Refer to the latest B2C Commerce API documentation for this class).

2. Salesforce B2C Commerce Cloud Infocenter

"Web Services - Outbound": The official developer guide for outbound web services demonstrates the implementation of a SOAP service. In the example code

the initServiceClient callback is explicitly used to get the dw.ws.Port and set the webReference

port

and operation properties

confirming its required role in SOAP calls. (Search for "SOAP Service Callback Example" in the B2C Commerce Infocenter).

3. Salesforce B2C Commerce Cloud Infocenter

dw.ws.Port Class: The documentation for the dw.ws.Port class

which is the client object for SOAP services (serviceClient in the callback)

lists properties like webReference

port

and operation that must be configured

reinforcing the necessity of the initServiceClient callback for this purpose.