Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): An Empirical Evaluation of Characteristics, Adoption Determinants, Governance Mechanisms, and Business Impact in the German Service Industry

This literature review synthesizes existing research in the field of Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) from a business perspective and integrates results from 40 works to offer researchers an overview about the existing body of knowledge in this research field as well as a research agenda, which unifies and extends previous efforts. While the literature regarding the technologies and design principles for SOA and even Service-Oriented Enterprises (SOE) converges, especially research regarding the identification of determinants influencing SOA adoption, governance mechanisms for effectively implementing SOA, and regarding SOA’s actual business impact is needed. Previous empirical research indicated promising factors in each of these fields. However, future research should especially draw attention to cover each of the research areas holistically. Moreover, extending the use of empirical research methods will further improve our understanding regarding the importance of different adoption determinants, governance mechanisms, and the actual business value of SOA.