ARMONK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 8, 2008 -- IBM (NYSE:IBM - News) today announced new services and advanced tools to help customers better focus on the crucial architectural decisions when implementing a service oriented architecture (SOA).

A recent study of SOA engagements by the IBM Academy of Technology found that the chief cause for difficulty among clients in implementing SOA is the lack of emphasis on getting the right architecture blueprint in place with an eye to future growth.

To address the challenge, IBM is introducing:

 
--  The Infrastructure Architecture Healthcheck for SOA - The new
    healthcheck service provides readiness assessments for the infrastructure
    architecture - one for those about to start a SOA project and one for those
    who are extending their SOA environment. This will help clients look at
    both the functional and non-functional requirements for their
    infrastructure using "what-if" scenarios provided by the Performance and
    Capacity Evaluation Service (PACES) running on an IBM cloud computing
    platform and SOA PARA-medic.
--  SOA Architecture Decision Accelerator - Leveraging new Web 2.0 tools
    developed with IBM research, new decision models help our service
    practitioners speed planning with documented best practices. A client
    version with templates for people to download and use is also available to
    help architects ensure they have the right blueprint.
--  Infrastructure Events Management and Monitoring - A new service that
    provides clients with a full end-to-end view of the environment - what's
    going on in the infrastructure and what issues may need to be addressed in
    real time.
--  Automated Testing Facility for SOA - Enables clients to automate the
    provisioning of testing equipment and validation of new services. The
    facility can help reduce manual tasks, eliminate common mistakes and deploy
    services faster. It also provides clients with a view of possible impacts
    to the infrastructure ahead of deployment.
--  IBM SOA Integration Services. Enhanced services for process integrity
    that can provide a cohesive SOA across the enterprise. IBM SOA Integration
    Services pull together components from multiple vendors and enable them to
    work as a single system. IBM experts can provide implementation support for
    any SOA deployment from pilot projects to complex engagements across the
    full enterprise.

"We've learned how to help build a successful SOA by checking the fitness all through the journey," said Liz Smith, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services. "In stressing the architecture first, IBM can help clients avoid potential difficulties in the strengthening of their SOA."

IBM's years of experience with more than 6,500 SOA implementations have shown clients often face similar challenges in implementing a successful SOA architecture. They include:

 
--  Ensuring their architecture is able to handle major changes in demands
    on infrastructure after implementing SOA.
--  Melding business goals with IT goals to enable future growth.
--  Build on the skills, culture and management systems that exist within
    their business today and what is planned for the future.
--  Maintaining end-to-end operational visibility.
--  Ensuring scalability and process integrity.

Following these lessons helps IBM ensure clients can realize the potential of SOA.

For more information about IBM, visit www.IBM.com

     Media contact:
     Catherine Behan
     IBM
     203-207-1897
     cat1@us.ibm.com