As I'm working with companies out there around the use of cloud computing in the context of SOA, I'm actually experiencing instances where SOA is killing cloud computing. Follow me here.
The issue is really around the confusion that's being spread by many of the SOA vendors out there "cloud washing" like crazy in an attempt to stay relevant. Thus, they are now promoting their technology as a "cloud computing solution," and are perhaps diluting the original value of SOA.
This not only has a negative impact of SOA, but a negative impact on the technology vendor as well. In short, they are no longer on a path to building a solid foundation of IT, they are now merely an instance of technology that's a square technology peg, in a cloud computing round hole.
SOA is a strategic framework that includes cloud. I understand the temptations to re-position your technology in an over hyped and overheated space. However, you also need to consider the larger picture here.
At the end of the day this is not about cloud, it's about improving the effectiveness and efficiency of IT, and that takes architecture, which takes SOA...cloud or no cloud. If you lose site of that objective you just devalued the technology solution you're offering, and you'll find that you'll soon be a bit player in the cloud computing space as well. There are about 10 bit players being added to the cloud computing technology list each and every week. Stick to your SOA guns guys.
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