Service Oriented Architectures (SOA) : How to find the right Balance between Standardization and Flexibility

Service-oriented architecture (SOA), often enthusiastically emphasized as the future IT infrastructure, is currently a big topic in the IT community. In their seminar thesis, the authors provide an introduction into the technology and management possibilities of SOA. Based on an analysis of literature, the authors analyze the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for SOA as an IS architecture, including the advantages and disadvantages from both technological and management view. Using this analysis, a framework is proposed that shows that various determinants need to be considered when planning the adoption of SOA in a corporate context. The study shows that beyond capital requirements, also strategic, process, and cultural determinants play a significant role. Considering these, the authors derive a set of four generic adoption strategies for SOA in practice, highlighting exemplary scenarios in which companies should implement SOA themselves or with the help of external providers. While the study highlights the need for further scientific analysis of SOA adoption, managers and executives of IT can use it’s results to assess whether SOA fits their current situation or not. The generic adoption strategies will provide further support in designing an appropriate approach to SOA for businesses