Web Service as data source

[pelajhia]

I wasn't sure whether to put this into cr or ce forum; it applies to both. (using cr9/ce9 standard, may be upgrading to ce for real).

I am being asked to create reports using a web service which will produce xml output.
I have noticed there is a driver in cr for reading xml data, but it sounds as though I am expected to CALL the 'web service'. Is this something that must be done in a program outside of the cr and then using the driver to pick up the output?
Has anyone done this via CE - does CE prof/prem have a way of calling web services and passing the data to a report?

Most info on the web shows how to use crytal reports AS a web service; this is sort of the other way around.

Thanks!