Service-oriented architectures are helping companies do everything from automate business processes to increase agility, but implementing the technology is not necessarily forthright.

SOA requires the integration of many varied processes, applications and technologies that are difficult to mesh seamlessly, meaning incompatibility, scalability and flexibility issues often arise. The license-fee structure of traditional software can also limit options and add cost. Turning to open source technology can help alleviate these issues and accelerate deployment, as well as business adoption.