SOA has been the buzz word for some time. However, most customers would argue/ask about the value it can provide to the enterprise. Also, if the value is justified (theoretically), how do I start moving towards an SOA enabled enterprise.
Probably, the best way is to look at the *lesson learnt section* from customers who have already walked a fair distance in it. A brief search is as follows:
Ø Think about version policy early in your SOA cycle
Ø Implement a good build and release strategy
Ø Don’t take any short cuts when it comes to governance and automation
Ø Start with atomic, then composite and finally orchestrated (long running workflow) services
Ø Always have a business case for your service
Ø Set a roadmap (the destination is important)
Ø Customer services first. No use of building up if no one is going to use it.
Ø Start building small services to untie the knots within your enterprise. Once done,
start creating your customer services – this might require you to create composite services.
Ø Never assume that only your application is going to use this service.
Ø Think about top down vs bottom up approach carefully
Ø Etc…
Focusing on the problem areas
Use SOA Design Patterns (Gartner)
Recognizing and implementing these patterns is an essential part of successful Service Oriented Design. Below are 5 SOA design patterns that Gartner analysts have observed:
1. Multichannel Applications
2. Composite Applications
3. Business Process Orchestration
4. Service Oriented Enterprise
5. Federated SOA
SOA Maturity Model
The Service Oriented Architecture Maturity Model consists of 36 technology-independent capabilities and serves as the guide for what is possible and what is required of your IT systems to realize the value of a service-oriented approach. The model was developed in conjunction with Microsoft product teams, technical evangelists, and is based on our global best practices
Further references :
1) Microsoft Service home
Click here
2) Enabling the Agile Enterprise – Building a common road map with SOA Maturity Model
Click here
Happy reading 
