Executing SOA: A Practical Guide for the Service-Oriented Architect

Foreword

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is no longer new. Indeed, it suffers from some retrenchment and backlash as the “hype curve” settles, with many pointing to examples of failed attempts. Why is that? If this direction was so compelling, why are some turning to a degree of skepticism and outright cynicism? The major reason lies in our collective failure to understand that this kind of transition is difficult and requires discipline, in-depth understanding, and active involvement from the business as well as the IT infrastructure. Discipline is needed in collaborative alignment and cross-group processes that we tend to associate with broader organizational thinking—not individual, localized “quick fixes” or silos. As a result, many initial ...