subject: Service Oriented Architecture [print this page] Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a set of design principles that are applied throughout the development and integration phases of systems during computing. The service-oriented architecture can be used by several domains for many services that are lightly integrated.
XML is the most common language used by companies to interface with service-oriented architecture. However, there are many different languages SOA can be implemented through.
Service-oriented architecture also keeps companies up to date on other available software services through various means such as web-based applications. SOA assists in integrating many distinctively different applications.
This is especially helpful in today's world, which is dependent on the Internet and uses many different multiple implementation platforms. Many companies choose to define an API, or Application Programming Interface.
SOA automatically sets up the interface based on protocols and functionality. In order to use SOA services the connection with operating systems and other programs that underlie applications must be very loose.
This is due to the fact that SOA separates the functions it uses into distinct and separate services. Developers send these services via network whereupon they are recombined and applied by the user.
Service-oriented architecture works more like a continuum rather than a distributed computing or modular programming. SOA includes many specialized design principles and services that are tailored to particular themes and impact the behavior and style of a system.
One defining feature of service-oriented architecture is called service encapsulation. This means that the many services, often including ones that were not intended to be a part of SOA, located within service-oriented architecture are consolidated.
SOA also makes sure that its services are part of a minimal dependency connection, meaning that they only dependency between the networks is their awareness of each other. This is called service loose coupling.
As with all communication and services, the services have a contract that the business must agree to. The granted services may be revoked if a business does not adhere to these standards.
SOA uses high level computer programming languages to implement service abstraction. This means that the basic functions and logic of the program are hidden from the user.
As we are in the modern age of computers, the use of these service-oriented architecture services is designed so that it can be used over and over. This service reusability is not a new thing, but an extremely underappreciated one.
Another defining feature of service-oriented architecture is the service composability of their programs. This means that the groups of services can be re-combined to create one complex program.
Of course these services are equipped with their own autonomy. In other words, they can control the logic, or services, that have been encapsulated.
Service-oriented architecture should always be optimized. This means that the services provided should be high-quality and up to date.
Services provided through service-oriented architecture should also be discoverable. When services are discoverable they have something that describes them that can be seen and used to access the service by the user.
The last defining feature is called service relevance. The level of service relevance is important because it indicates the level of usefulness or importance the service has.
SOA services are invaluable for many companies in changing and promoting a new business ideal or plan, strengthening their relationship with their partners, increasing service speed, and to ultimately sell services to a continually rising number of customers.
Service-oriented architecture cannot be bought because of its unique architectural structure, services, and implementation. However, it is popular around the world today because it enables companies to reuse their existing information technology resources and interoperability between widely different technology and applications.
SOA services will not be able to fix everything, but it aids many companies in staying connected. It takes a lot of planning because it is based on industry standards, but it is worth the time and effort to implement.
