Introduction
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) has recently gained a lot of ground as a style for creating enterprise- or company-wide IT systems. One of the main challenges faced by those who create these systems is making a good fit between the IT architecture, the goals of the business, and the business's protocols. Having a system that can be adapted to meet those needs is vital.
Agile software development is a set of practices, principles, and values that are used for the designing, planning, coding, and testing of software. Some of the main values in all Agile software approaches are reflective improvement, frequent delivery, and close communication.
Problem Statement
Because Service Oriented Architecture and Agile programming are similar, they are able to work together. However, because problems come from different areas with each framework, using both can seem a little overwhelming. There are some specific areas that Agile and SOA don’t work well together. For example, with SOA, teams are generally split along functional lines. On the other hand, cross-functional teams are popular with Agile.
On top of that, feedback is seen differently between the two. Agile focuses on frequent feedback. In fact, it is part of the basis of Agile to receive feedback on a regular basis, and change quickly and easily. With SOA, change and feedback are not needed or even wanted as often.
Previous Options
In the past, organizations would select either Agile or a Service Oriented Architecture. It is only recently that the two have started being used in conjunction.
Solution
When carefully combined, implementing Agile Service Oriented Architecture can help a company function more effectively and efficiently. This cooperative approach requires continuous integration, as well as the ability to react quickly to any problems that may arise. As such, it is important to make sure that implementation is done in phases.
Find and Fix Problems
With a slower, phased integration it is easy to find any bugs or issues that may come up. This is a great way to keep these issues from affecting those who will use the system. When you are able to get on top of these issues one at a time, it is much easier to tackle them.
See How it Comes Together
With any project, it is important to see how it is coming together, as it comes together. With a phase-based integration, you can quickly and easily see how it is coming together. This allows changes to be made, if need be.
Better Value
With an Agile Service Oriented Architecture system, your company gets a better value. You are able to quickly and easily take care of customer issues as they come up, bolstering your overall image. On top of that, having a team that can work in the dual system is a powerful asset; it will help your company grow and respond.
Implementation
It is important to start with one of the systems—either Service Oriented Architecture or Agile. From there, ensure that your team understands the selected development process and the integration of the systems. The team also needs to be in agreement on implementing the combined system.
Once you have decided to move toward an Agile Service Oriented Architecture, you will need to plan out the phases with the team. Starting with low-traffic, low-exposure areas can be a good way to start your integration or to run a company test on the dual-system approach.
Summary
Implementing Agile Service Oriented Architecture is a cutting-edge approach. If your company is interested in improving your response time for both in-house problems and customer issues, Agile Service Oriented Architecture is a wise choice.
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