>>>>I need to understand (and learn) a .NET technology that would be used as follows:
>>>>
>>>>Some 3P software has to add record(s) to a table in SQL Server database. Then my application will "deal" with this record(s) (this is not relevant to the question). I may need to "tell" the 3P software how the data from their program will go to the database. Will I need to build Web Services to consume their data/messages? (not sure if "consume" is the right term though). Or another technology?
>>>>
>>>>What technology should I look at and learn?
>>>
>>>Yes, a Web Service will suit well for that requirement.
>>>
>>>You build a Web Service on the server. Then, the client can send a SOAP enveloppe which will send a hit to one of your Web Service method and you will return them a response. I always recommend to keep it simple at first. Simply return a XML string which will tell them the success of the operation with any relevant data they need to obtain from the insertion of that record in your database.
>>
>>Thank you. I will look for a course in Pluralsight on how to start on this.
>
>I would suggest skipping the older SOAP based web services and look into using REST web services with Web API.

Thank you.