Success in Service Orientated Architecture dependent on approach - triVector

April 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Steyn recently took part in industry-led roundtable discussion which focused on the intricacies and dynamics of current application of SOA within business and what this means for modern-day trade.

At this event, hosted in Gauteng by local business and technology media group, ITWeb Brainstorm, Steyn reiterated the importance of architecting saying it was key to business approach and successful SOA.

“My contention is that architecting is very important and decision makers in business need to proactively manage problems with proper design and architecting upfront. This is critical and must be understood and adhered to, otherwise businesses will not realise the advantages of service orientated architecture,” he says. “And the point I raised at this discussion is that this is not just relevant and applicable at a technology level, it is really about how to design at a business level so that reuse can happen.”

Steyn leads the technology innovation and business development component of triVector, a company that continues to grab the attention of businesses interested in developing strategies based on enterprise solution integration and application.

It is his belief that business architects will be the drivers of SOA in business going forward. However, greater general knowledge and true understanding of this area of the market is required.

There is talk in the market of SOA leading to an agile, streamlined and well organised, automated processes and resources so that change can take place to enhance operations and make the business more competitive. However, according to Steyn, local users are only scratching the surface of SOA in business and there is a wealth of benefits that lie within effective architecting.

“I have also commented that on the domestic front, we have yet to really grasp and embrace what can be achieved when we begin to get the design right and apply this at a business level,” Steyn continues.

In addition to knowledge, Steyn also points out that there is a risk of ‘over-architecting’ and this represents a challenge to businesses seeking to derive a return on SOA infrastructure.

“Decision makers must however ensure that there is just enough architecture in place just in time to provide the necessary structure, guidance and direction to unlock potential value for business. This will ensure that positive results are achieved and sustained,” Steyn continues.

“I believe that business architects can play a very important and critical role in this regard. They can provide design philosophies and point companies in the right direction in terms of governance and guidance. We need enough architecture at the right time. This will mean a great deal to an organisation and demonstrate another side of service orientated architecture and its general application,” Steyn concludes.