Service-oriented architecture (SOA) has been on the IT buzzword bestsellers' list for as long as any other phrase I can remember. Over the past 10 years, there have been prominent examples of enterprises that have successfully implemented SOAs and have achieved substantial advantages, including reduced costs and improved competitiveness. Unfortunately, such examples are not commonplace because implementing a successful SOA is difficult. However, when successful, the promise and business benefits of SOA are undeniably compelling.

What do we need to know to succeed?

How many times have we asked this question of ourselves and our colleagues? After almost 30 years in this business, I can confidently tell you, "It depends."

It's official: IT outsourcing has achieved bandwagon status. How can you tell? Well, because the trend now combines a tremendous amount of activity with a tremendous amount of confusion. When people act in large numbers amid so much debate and disarrangement, that's a bandwagon.