Introduction Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a term that is used to describe the infrastructure and design of a network of systems that are collaborated together in order to share information and data from one network system to another network system. Service-oriented architecture allows for software services to exchange data and information from one computer application to a different computer application that is designed to provide a service oriented process. Service-oriented architecture is necessary when special services need to collaborate together and share and exchange information (this is also called communication). Service-oriented architectures are designed by software developers, software engineers or computer science experts using software service applications. Many businesses use service-oriented architecture in order to integrate their network applications to combine and consolidate their business data. One of the main objectives for an efficient service-oriented
architecture is to achieve interoperability. Interoperability means that computer systems and information sharing architectures work together to total capacity. Data networks need interoperability and the ability to communicate flawlessly within a business system. Network Interface For service applications to be efficient, system interfaces must have a proficient service-oriented architecture. Distribution of data among different applications can be extremely complicated because they may use different computer languages and different codes that are not easily compatible with one another. Implementing a service-oriented architecture that allows for the exchange of data from one service application to another service application is essential to successful businesses. This means implementing a competent network interface. Service-oriented architecture in Business Service-oriented architecture is usually based and designed for business related internet web services. Online services has been evolving and growing exponentially over the years. It is necessary for businesses to design their service-oriented architecture so that the sharing of information between networks of systems can be as efficient as possible. Business managers need to focus a significant amount of attention to their Service-oriented architecture in order for efficiency to be achieved. As the providers of online services, businesses are required to create service-oriented architecture that is compatible with their service-consumers and that will satisfy their consumers. Service-oriented architecture requires that metadata to be implemented within the network infrastructure in order to provide reliable services to their customers. Computer programmers are challenged with developing service applications that are compatible with corresponding business functions. The main objective when designing a service-oriented architecture is to accomplish loose coupling between their networks of data application software. Loose coupling is a term to describe the integration of software applications without changing or risking the existing applications. Even if the two software applications do not have the same format, loose coupling is designed to integrate the two software applications without affecting or changing either of their systems. 1. Software developers must design simple interfaces in order for successful loose coupling to be achieved.
2. Network systems must be designed to be compatible with their corresponding applications.
3. The objective of loose coupling is to allow networks of systems to integrate without having to completely redesign or change the entire infrastructure. Redesigning or changing the entire infrastructure can be extremely expensive and inefficient for a business process. Service-oriented architecture is often developed using XML (Extensible Markup Language). XML is used by computer programmers and web page developers in order to create an interface for sharing data and information processing. XML is a web format that allows for information and data to be exchanged through different mediums such as different networks, applications, software and computers. Integration The integration of information can be complex when information is on two different platforms. Integration can only be achieved when communicating in the same protocol. Because of the rapid changes and advances in technology, a well designed service-oriented architecture is necessary for many businesses to keep up in updating and advancing their network infrastructures. The exchange of compatible information is the basis of an effective service-oriented architecture. Software application systems must be constantly updated for businesses. References and Additional Resources What is Service-oriented architecture? |
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