Interoperability: Blockchain's Solution to SOA & Traditional Service-Based Integration Challenges

This study explores the approaches of interoperability through blockchain and traditional intercommunicational methodologies such as Web APIs and Web Services, which fall under the umbrella of service-oriented architecture (SOA) within the context of connecting heterogeneous systems. Interoperability, the ability of disparate and heterogeneous systems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly, is a crucial consideration in today's interconnected digital landscape. Service based architectures or SOA, a well-established architectural style, promotes loose coupling and reusability through standardized protocols, facilitating effective integration of diverse systems. On the other hand, blockchain, a decentralized and distributed ledger technology, offers a novel approach to interoperability, leveraging oracles and other tools to connect external systems, including IoT devices, with blockchain networks. This research evaluates the two approaches from multiple perspectives, considering the challenges and requirements of connecting heterogeneous systems. This comparative analysis also considers factors such as trust models, scalability, data integrity, transparency, governance, regulatory considerations, and the specific challenges posed by connecting heterogeneous systems. By assessing these factors and the specific requirements of connecting heterogeneous systems, organizations can determine the most suitable approach for achieving effective interoperability.