Java Reference
In-Depth Information
A reference architecture serves as a blueprint across multiple projects or within a single pro-
ject. Architects and developers can verify that a subsequent implementation adheres to estab-
lished guidelines and will have increased likelihood of meeting business goals.
NOTE
You can think of the reference architecture as being analogous to the United States Constitution. It
serves to establish a variety of abstract bodies, such as the three branches of government, each of
which has different responsibilities, as well as a set of revisable guidelines that ensures that people
operate according to principles that support the overarching goals of the republic. (Of course, all ana-
logies have limited usefulness and can be misleading. Your mileage may vary!)
Aims of the reference architecture
The reference architecture can help ensure the success of your architectural efforts in a variety
of ways:
Act as a blueprint
The reference architecture can capture the intersection between your IT infrastructure,
your code, and your models. Because these different aspects are implemented by different
teams, they can inadvertently act in isolation, rendering the enterprise unable to take ad-
vantage of a potential wealth of existing work.
The blueprint can assist solutions architects to view the SOA not only from a coding or
system perspective, but rather to take the more holistic view required to ensure quality-of-
service levels.
Your SOA reference architecture might link to other existing enterprise architecture docu-
ments, such as network and hardware IT infrastructure, and add to this the idea of service
layers. For example, within Oracle/BEA, it defines an SOA RA containing the following
service layers:
Data Services and Connectivity Services
Data Services and Connectivity Services
These provide flexible access to underlying data tiers and enterprise applications.
Business-Oriented Services
Business-Oriented Services
A logical layer above Data Services where business processes are conducted.
Presentation Services
Package business capability services, repurposed for a variety of channels.
