endpoint reference (EPR)

An endpoint reference (EPR) is a combination of Web services (WS) elements that define the address for a resource in a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) header. In this context, an endpoint is any user device connected to a network. Endpoints can include personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs) and specialized equipment such as inventory scanners and point-of-sale terminals.

An EPR consists of a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), message reference parameters and data concerning the interface to be used. The EPR may also contain a set of policies relevant to the endpoint such as its intended behavior and capabilities. An EPR allows the sender to tailor a message to meet specific needs. Common examples include "reply-to" and "from" addresses that the recipient can use for authentication, response or acknowledgment of receipt.