Service-Oriented Architecture

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is the concept in which an organization develops a collection of shared software components (“services”) that are able to communicate with each other and perform functions (usually invisibly) in a variety of system environments.  Typically embedded in other applications, SOA-developed components rely on universal languages (UML, XML, XMI, CORBA) to create interfaces that are platform-independent and to make connection and communication possible.

This loose coupling of systems and data solves the underlying problem – complex, inflexible systems that are unable to share data effectively and efficiently, and can't be reconfigured fast enough to meet changing business needs.  SOA also is an important component of Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) and in enterprise IT because it provides the framework that unites the business model with the applications that provide the functions required.




Service Architecture provides a bridge between the implementations and the
consuming applications, creating a logical view of sets of services which are
available for use, invoked by a common interface and management
architecture.   Diagram: Microsoft.NET Architecture Center


Delivering on the Promise

SOA is not a new concept.  In fact, many of today’s most demanding applications are constructed according to its principles.  Earlier similar technologies – notably CORBA  and EDI – never delivered on the promise of universal interoperability, mostly because the IT community could not agree on universal standards.  But now, with XML and Web services well established, and with the need for interoperability even more acute, SOA is ready to do the job.

Industry experts say it is important to make the distinction between SOA and Web Services: SOA is more strategic and designed to offer greater business utility.  Web services are tactical and designed to solve integration issues.  To put it another way, Web services are components, and SOA connects them.

Real Business Benefits

The business case for SOA is strong.  To begin, the ability to re-use software offers huge long-term cost savings, freeing up the huge piece of the IT budget – often 70% or more – dedicated to maintaining existing systems.  And in the short term, SOA offers fast return-on-investment on projects that integrate existing mainframe applications, portals, application servers, deployed business logic, directory systems and other applications.

Are You Ready?

Adopting the SOA model is the key to gaining the business and IT agility offered by Web services.  But it’s important to remember that every new technology has a learning curve, and that SOA may not be the best approach for every project.  Choose your SOA projects carefully: The best places to start – and the ones that will offer quick return – are smaller projects such as using Web services to access data within a legacy application, or using a SOA/Web services application to automate a manual process.

The bottom line: SOA already is transforming business processes – and IT itself.  You need to make the move now.

Adapt, Change and Succeed

Dunn Solutions Group's application Development experts know and understand SOA.  We are at the forefront of this approach to software development, working with Object Management Group (OMG), the interoperability-focused consortium driving adoption of SOA; Borland, one of the industry's leading providers of application development tools; and Microsoft, the leader in enterprise software.

Our consultants can show you how SOA
works, how it can benefit your enterprise,
and then help you implement it.

We offer three SOA services:
> SOA/Web Services Assessment
> SOA Architecture Design
> SOA Support Services

SOA/Web Services Assessment is designed to help you begin or expand integration of SOA into your mission-critical software development work. The program includes evaluation of critical success factors, SOA architecture review, SOA transition plan, a series of on-site workshops customized to your particular needs, and a highly interactive demonstration project.

SOA Architecture Design services allow your development teams to work closely with our senior technical architects to identify, design and develop SOA implementations in your organization.  Both new development and the exposure of services from legacy applications can be developed in pilots or as complete project lifecycle engagements.

SOA Support Services combines our successful one-to-one Mentor+ and one-to-some Jumpstart support programs with advanced SOA training from our highly knowledgeable consultant-instructors.

For more information about our SOA Consulting and Development services, call 847-673-0900, x108.