It does this by using formally defined software interfaces to increase the reusability of software, break down technology-driven barriers among internal and external organisations and lower the costs of integration.
The promise is powerful, yet SOA raises unique challenges an SOA initiative can be derailed unless an effective governance framework is established to clearly identify roles, responsibilities and decision rights associated with services.
This framework should include measurement and control mechanisms to better ensure compliance to policies and deliver business value.
According to a Gartner report, "SOA governance is not an option, it is an imperative". Gartner estimates that failure to implement working SOA governance mechanisms will be the most common demise of SOA projects in 2006.
