We've covered a lot in this book on how to drive your business toward flexibility and growth through innovation. By now you realize the importance and meaning of flex-pon-sive*. A flex-pon-sive* company is one that responds with lightning speed and agility to rapidly changing business needs. To get to that goal, I focus in this chapter on what not to do. We had the top list of lessons learned in Chapter 5, "SOA Key Concepts." But I always learn from my mistakes-what to do different and what to do better. As such, I wanted to make sure that I included not only what your company should focus on, but what you should avoid with the top five don'ts. I want to cover the lessons that others have learned, in hopes of sharing that knowledge.

The top five don'ts for your flex-pon-sive* journey are listed next; this chapter walks through each one.

1. Don't expect maximum business without SOA.

2. Don't just do technology; it is a transformation of the way you do business.

3. Don't throw everything out.

4. Don't bite off big projects all at once.

5. Don't forget to set expectations.

Each of these "don'ts" is based on a wealth of SOA engagement experience and a true focus on business models and innovation for flexibility. I share that learning so that you can leverage the experience and leap ahead in your quest for competitiveness.

1. DON'T EXPECT MAXIMUM BUSINESS WITHOUT SOA

They say that French is the language of love, and I say that SOA is the language of business flexibility. SOA is an approach that draws IT and Business together and drives a discipline toward flexibility. Of course, we've heard this before, but it is truly different. One of IBM's top architects, Rob High, and one of IBM's top SOA consultants, Jason Weisser, summed it up this way: