Factors Affecting The Organizational Adoption Of Service-Oriented Architecture (Soa)

Abstract

Service-oriented computing is an emerging IT innovation. Among its manifestations is service-oriented architecture (SOA), an architectural approach to designing and implementing IT solutions. Academic empirical research on SOA adoption is scarce, with many studies focussing on qualitative analysis. The purpose of this study is to explore SOA adoption using a quantitative approach. This study investigates organizational SOA adoption in South Africa from DOI theory and TOE framework perspectives. A comprehensive model of SOA adoption is presented along with an associated research instrument. In order to validate the instrument and to gauge the state of SOA adoption, an online survey was conducted among South African organizations. The results of the survey highlight a number of factors influencing SOA adoption. Use of multiple standards and platforms, complexity, compatibility, cost, top management support, good governance and strategy, adequate human and financial resources, vendor support for integration and development tools are all significant factors for a fruitful SOA implementation. The findings of this study can contribute to the body of knowledge on organizational SOA adoption and create opportunities for future related research in this field