IBM Unveils New Services to Build the Foundation for SOA

ARMONK, NY .- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced new services and advanced tools to help customers better focus on the crucial architectural decisions when implementing a service oriented architecture (SOA).

A recent study of SOA engagements by the IBM Academy of Technology found that the chief cause for difficulty among clients in implementing SOA is the lack of emphasis on getting the right architecture blueprint in place with an eye to future growth.

To address the challenge, IBM is introducing:

* The Infrastructure Architecture Healthcheck for SOA - The new healthcheck service provides readiness assessments for the infrastructure architecture - one for those about to start a SOA project and one for those who are extending their SOA environment. This will help clients look at both the functional and non-functional requirements for their infrastructure using “what-if” scenarios provided by the Performance and Capacity Evaluation Service (PACES) running on an IBM cloud computing platform and SOA PARA-medic.
* SOA Architecture Decision Accelerator - Leveraging new Web 2.0 tools developed with IBM research, new decision models help our service practitioners speed planning with documented best practices. A client version with templates for people to download and use is also available to help architects ensure they have the right blueprint.
* Infrastructure Events Management and Monitoring - A new service that provides clients with a full end-to-end view of the environment - what’s going on in the infrastructure and what issues may need to be addressed in real time.
* Automated Testing Facility for SOA - Enables clients to automate the provisioning of testing equipment and validation of new services. The facility can help reduce manual tasks, eliminate common mistakes and deploy services faster. It also provides clients with a view of possible impacts to the infrastructure ahead of deployment.
* IBM SOA Integration Services. Enhanced services for process integrity that can provide a cohesive SOA across the enterprise. IBM SOA Integration Services pull together components from multiple vendors and enable them to work as a single system. IBM experts can provide implementation support for any SOA deployment from pilot projects to complex engagements across the full enterprise.

“We’ve learned how to help build a successful SOA by checking the fitness all through the journey,” said Liz Smith, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services. “In stressing the architecture first, IBM can help clients avoid potential difficulties in the strengthening of their SOA.”

IBM’s years of experience with more than 6,500 SOA implementations have shown clients often face similar challenges in implementing a successful SOA architecture. They include:

* Ensuring their architecture is able to handle major changes in demands on infrastructure after implementing SOA.
* Melding business goals with IT goals to enable future growth.
* Build on the skills, culture and management systems that exist within their business today and what is planned for the future.
* Maintaining end-to-end operational visibility.
* Ensuring scalability and process integrity.

Following these lessons helps IBM ensure clients can realize the potential of SOA.