How do I choose between WCF, REST, POX and RIA services for a new Silverlight application

Question

There a lot of different ways a Silverlight application can connect back to it’ server. Including

• WCF - Windows Communication Foundation

Answer 1

WCF is Microsoft's standard for service communication. I would strongly advise anyone to create a service layer using WCF Web APIs (uses WCF, but tailored specifically for REST), which is coming out this April 2012. WCF Web APIs is currently in preview mode.

Remember these rules of thumb: - your UI will change faster than your service layer. RESTful services will be around in several years, Silverlight probably won't - will your services ever be APIs? Well...WCF REST is the way to go - will you mix JavaScript and Silverlight code? WCF REST will make your life easier - will you have a mobile component (since Silverlight won't run on iOS or android)...REST is preferred.

Don't tailor to the technology, but the app as a whole.