Service architecture, or service-oriented architecture (SOA), is a software approach that uses existing services and applications to provide value to users. In software development, architecture refers to the fundamental structures developers use when designing software systems. The architecture for service-oriented systems allows the systems’ applications to make use of other available services within the network. Because designers use existing services to create their applications, users can reuse the service to create many unique applications.
Another emphasis of service architecture is on easy maintenance. In this type of design approach, services are independent of one another. This can make them easier to update and change without interfering with the functionality of other services. SOA can often require large upfront costs, but the usability and functionality of the system can make it appealing in a variety of contexts. An added benefit of service architecture is that, even though it allows you to make complex applications using services from other platforms, it’s independent of both vendors and platforms, making it available for anyone to use.
Examples of service architecture
Typically, service architecture uses web services to provide value for its users. This makes it accessible for use across multiple applications and industries. Here are several instances where you might see service architecture in use:
- Retailers: Retailers might use SOA programs to track their inventory, regulate their shipping processes and manage customers.
- Electric companies: Electric companies can use service architecture to integrate their systems and streamline their processes for extra efficiency.
- Military: Many military divisions use SOA for their situational awareness systems, or security systems that combine environmental monitoring, mass alerts and data analysis.
- Healthcare: SOA can help healthcare providers manage patient data for their many constituents like customer service representatives, insurance providers, physicians’ offices and website users. Service architecture allows providers to keep data within the same source while managing access through multiple applications.
- Smartphone apps: Many smartphone apps require service architecture to allow for multiple inbuilt functions. For example, if an application incorporates GPS tracking but doesn’t offer the service itself, the app team can use SOA as a solution to integrate multiple services into one app.