∈SOA - Service Oriented Architectures adapted for embedded networks

The development of embedded networks poses several challenges: complexity and size of the network, heterogeneity of nodes, and infrastructure dynamics. From other IT domains it is known that many of these challenges can be met by a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). In the context of embedded networks, an application can be interpreted as a set of interacting services that produce, consume or manipulate data. However, the hard boundary conditions of embedded networks, such as limited resources and real time requirements, have to be taken into account. This paper discusses an embedded SOA (eSOA) concept based on the definition of an embedded service (eService) term and the differences to traditional Web services based SOAs. The paper describes a middleware platform that supports the execution and development of embedded network applications by employing model based code generation and a pattern based service composition model. The advantages of the approach are showcased using an application from the building automation sector, focusing on the energy management of smart buildings.