David S. Linthicum: Reference Models and Architectures
By David S. Linthicum
November 15, 2007 —
(Page 1 of 3)
Those who implement SOA have become a bit confused about the notions of SOA reference models and SOA reference architectures. Moreover, there is confusion about how they work with the more traditional concept of enterprise architecture, including all of the management and development disciplines behind EA.
So, if you’re confused, you’re not alone. There are many definitions for the concepts of SOA reference models and SOA reference architectures that are now being defined by guys like me (my models are correct, as always), standards organizations such as OASIS and the Open Group, and vendors such as IBM, Oracle, BEA and TIBCO. Sometimes they align; most of the time they do not.
This explosion of definitions came about because as SOA gained traction as a core architectural pattern, those tasked with building SOA began to look for new reference architectures, reference models or anything to provide guidance. The standards organizations and vendors quickly came up with a few answers. Also, the SOA vendors, not to be outdone, have come up with their own frameworks, models and architectures, typically around their own stuff, of course.
So, who’s right? I’m not sure this is a matter of right and wrong, but perhaps, as I’ve been suggesting, it’s time we come up with some common definitions and shared vision. I do think we are moving in that direction, albeit slowly, and I think that just agreeing on semantics will be a huge accomplishment in this emerging space. However, I will go a few steps further and state that you may not even need reference models and architecture if your approach is sound, and your understanding of the patterns of SOA is complete.
At this juncture, we should stop comparing and contrasting the different ways that organizations and individuals look at SOA. That’s never a good way to spend your time. However, you need to understand SOA in the context of your enterprise, and then you can create any model as long as it works…this is called architecture.
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