Service-oriented architecture

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) refers to a software architecture within which functions and services are offered by service providers as (web) services. SOA is based on a domain-specific model that specifies the objects and their interdependencies in an application area (domain). The services are only loosely coupled with each other. Within an SOA, (mobile) software agents are often used for communication and service provision.

Source: logipedia / Fraunhofer IML