Microsoft SOA: Inadequate?

ZapThink has some strong opinions on Microsoft SOA centering around Microsoft defining SOA as integration, particularly web services integration, not broader Enterprise Architecture (They called them "tone deaf." :). For me, there is some truth to this as products such as BizTalk are phenomenal EAI products, point to point integration products, not really SOA products, at least not without some partner help. Microsoft has dismissed ESBs for years and now believes the "pattern" belongs in the sky. Meanwhile, people have real SOA/SOI needs today and need a comprehensive end to end story on SOA from soup to nuts. IBM, TIBCO and many of the "big boys" have this from model to finished service registries. To be fair, Microsoft will have all this in Oslo and also to be fair, Microsoft does have a good Real World SOA message and a Middle-out approach. They are getting there and I believe partners like SOA Software, Amberpoint, Neudesic/Neuron help them have a story today. It needs to be better articulated, which in some regards, is the point of my series.

Follow-up Links

• Joe McKendrick agrees that Microsoft is strong in developer tools, but not taking a leadership position in ESOA/EA, yet.
• Microsoft and Mules: Why the Company Won't Lead on SOA
• Maybe Microsoft's SOA Position Isn't All That Bad?