The Strategic Impact of Service Oriented Architectures

It has not been since the advent of the client/server architecture break through that an architectural concept has changed the face of enterprise systems so significantly as it has been done by service oriented architectures (SOA). The service oriented approach provides plenty of vantages for companies in regard to flexible system integration and adoption of new business cases. However, the adoption of SOA in an actual enterprise system brings along a couple of problems as well. Especially the integration into the existing infrastructure, applications and the innovation, sourcing and investment policies is challenging. A solution can be provided by establishing a SOA roadmap unveiling possible traps and pointing out the foibles and flaws still existing in the SOA approach. In this paper the SOA approach will be reviewed critically and the different sections affected within an enterprise will be examined. Possible problems during the transition and use of SOA will be identified. Where already possible, solutions will be provided. This paper is based on current research conducted during my PhD studies