Definitions for "Service-Oriented Architecture"
An infrastructure where many -tier applications are deployed across the state, sharing common software services that are accessible from any user interface. In this environment, any application can access any service, provided the application has the proper security permissions. The greatest strength of a service-oriented architecture is the potential for repeatable rapid development of new applications.
(32NR) A Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) defines how two computing entities interact in such a way as to enable one entity to perform a unit of work on behalf of the another entity. The unit of work is refered to as a service, and the service interactions are defined using a description language. Each interaction is self-contained and loosley coupled, so that each interaction is independent of any other interaction. (329O)
A framework for integrating business processes and supporting IT infrastructure as secure, standardized components—services—that can be reused and combined to address changing business priorities.
A collection of self-contained services that communicate with each other by passing data or coordinating activity among two or more services. [Source: 2005 SSP Glossary
A set of components which can be invoked, and whose interface descriptions can be published and discovered.