This article describes the concept of SOA (Service Oriented Architecture), its benefits, SOA with Web Services, choosing a platform to implement SOA and other related topics. The author recommends implementing SOA right now to survive in this competitive world.
A service-oriented architecture is essentially a collection of services. These services communicate with each other. The communication can involve either simple data passing or it could involve two or more services coordinating some activity. Some means of connecting services to each other is needed. The combination of services - internal and external to an organization - makes up a service-oriented architecture.
If a service-oriented architecture is to be effective, we need a clear understanding of the term service. A service is a function that is well-defined, self-contained, and does not depend on the context or state of other services. Services are what you connect together using Web Services. A service is the endpoint of a connection. Also, a service has some type of underlying computer system that supports the connection offered.
The technology of Web Services is the most likely connection technology of service-oriented architectures. Web services essentially use XML to create a robust connection.
Any suggestions or feedback are welcome. Please click Discuss or the author link for the author's email.
SOAP & Web Services 
/ 97 
