Microservices vs. Service-Oriented Architecture

Right now, the microservices architecture pattern is a rising star in the IT industry. For many, these small, highly decoupled services are a welcome alternative to the big, expensive, complicated Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) style that came to prominence a decade ago. But just how different are microservices from SOA? In this report, Mark Richards, an expert in enterprise architectures and distributed systems, walks you through a detailed comparison of microservices and SOA. By learning the core differences between the two with regard to architecture style and characteristics, service characteristics, and capability, you’ll be able to make an informed choice when determining which is best for your particular situation. Explore service contracts, availability, security, and transactions inherent in service-based architectures Compare microservices and SOA architecture characteristics such as taxonomy, ownership and coordination, and granularity Learn the differences in architecture capabilities, including application scope, heterogeneous interoperability, and contract decoupling Mark Richards is an experienced, hands-on software architect involved in the architecture, design, and implementation of microservices architectures, service-oriented architectures, and distributed systems in J2EE and other technologies. Active in the software industry since 1983, he is the author of several technical books and videos on application, integration, and enterprise architecture.