A uniform approach for web service discovery is provided through common auto-discovery logic for cloud-based or enterprise-based deployments for a specific web service. Appropriate credentials may be applied employing a uniform method using an appropriate authentication scheme for on-premise, fully hosted, or partially hosted auto-discovered web services. A common interface may be implemented even if the protocols for discovery differ from service to service or between cloud-based deployment and enterprise-based deployment for the same service. Web service locations auto-discovered through different protocols may be cached for subsequent use.