Abstract

This article summarizes the results of 25 expert interviews, regarding the value potential and

challenges of the Service-oriented Architecture (SoA) paradigm for users and software vendors.

On the user side, the SoA value potential most often mentioned by experts was agility, followed by

process optimization. Cost reduction, through a more efficient development, or consolidation of

redundant IS landscapes are also seen as a value potential. In contrast to the literature, reuse of

services seems not that significant and is highly debated among the experts. In order to realize the

value potentials, users have to overcome certain challenges. Here, the experts mention the financing

of the investments, the setting up of a proper governance and the creation of a common understanding

of the SoA paradigm as biggest hurdles.

For the software vendors, experts mention that SoA-based solutions create new market opportunities

as lock-in-effects are lowered and offerings can be easier enhanced by third-party services. Regarding

cost, there is potential to harmonize existing product portfolios or integrate acquisitions more easily.

Development cost reduction is less evident at the current stage of adoption. It is assumed that lower

lock-in effects also lead to increased competition, which could become a major challenge especially

for established vendors.

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