Get ready for SOA: Regardless of approach to purchasing technology, service-oriented architectures will infiltrate all IT shops

摘要

For the foreseeable future, any company deploying new IT systems - or upgrading existing ones - will need a service-oriented architecture (SOA) strategy. Why? Because all business software vendors are embracing SOA. It doesn't matter whether the vendor markets packaged applications that can be used out of the box - like an Oracle or SAP - or if it follows the IBM model of selling tool kits for customers seeking to develop custom solutions. SOA is underpinning all new product offerings. The nagging question for software buyers is whether the SOA approach will deliver the promised benefits. That answer will emerge over time. Meanwhile, it makes sense for manufacturing executives to develop at least a basic understanding of SOA and its potential impact on a business.