We’ve seen what an SOA is and how you can implement it.

Now, we need to consider the benefits and risks. It may be scary, but we need to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Benefits of SOA

The benefits are that you’ll create an architecture into which all your developments fit, rather than a set of isolated applications that can’t share information – these were called ‘stovepipes’ or 'silos'.

You are also creating a situation in which it will be easier to work with customers and suppliers and, indeed, everyone in your business’ world.

And, perhaps, just perhaps, you will be setting a framework that will last for 5 or 10 years. Certainly, that’s the way it looks today. 

Risks of SOA

The risks of SOA are real and significant…

You'll be an 'Early Adopter' and be amongst the first to go down this road.

It will be more expensive, in the short term, to just building individual applications.

And, who knows, some other approach might come along that replaces SOA and renders it obsolete.

Mitigating the Risks

You can mitigate these risks by being cautious and using other people’s experience.

Don’t “bet the business” – identify a specific area that can benefit and start there.

Ensure that you have access to Mentors – you’re taking a big step and you need to make sure you know what might go wrong and how to recover.

And, it’s a good idea to choose a specific product before you start. Of course, the product must come from a company with a good chance of being around for a long time – you’re making a long-term investment.