Services Oriented Architecture (SOA)

From Geostandards

Using A service oriented architecture is a way of supporting business by using IT in a quick and efficient way. It is a logical response to a business request for quicker responsiveness which, in turn, is a consequence of faster fluctuating consumer demands, stronger competition and changing legislation and regulations. In a technical sense, service-oriented architecture is an IT architecture or a blueprint which is based on a service. Seen from an existing application landscape, service oriented architecture is a way of identifying and using specific services in that landscape.

“A service is a recognisable piece of functionality adding value for the client”

This means that we no longer think in terms of the function of an application, but of its business functionality instead, for example, in a request for, or mutation of, a development function. This function is still part of the current application, but it is made accessible as a function that can be approached externally. Service orientation is also a way of defining policy and the guidelines that enable current business product development to be arranged in a more flexible and effective way. An intrinsic part of the service oriented architecture is the practical content (realisation) of this (ICT) policy.

Service oriented architecture is a continuation of web technology. This web technology was literally and figuratively a break-through in the provision of provider-specific solutions for data integration. The figure below shows the technical positioning of service oriented architecture according to its organisational and data related reach.

Open standards mean more freedom of movement when selecting technical solutions and the choice of providers. A solution is found that is not depending on a specific platform or provider. However this does not mean that there is no competition within the range of open standards. NORA:

"From the various programs that have been executed in the framework of the e-government, an initial start has been made in developing transparent architecture for the trafficking of messages. It was noted that two still rather competitive standards in practise are becoming dominant: ebXML and the Webservicesfamily."

It is important to note that fine-tuning between IT and business is crucial when realising a service oriented architecture. These two worlds have not only started to speak the same language (business functionality), but IT will now also have to understand the business-related content. This addition of business context makes service oriented architecture more complex than the previous primarily technical oriented initiatives. The chances of making mistakes when setting up a service orientated architecture have therefore increased. This next paragraph - Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) will describe characteristics and standards.

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