It seems that IBM views SOA as needing a dating service, and has formed a "social network" to assist SOA builders in communicating, one to another, according to this article. "LAS VEGAS --Amidst a marching band, a Harley Davidson motorcycle riding onto the stage, a string quartet, a Cirque du Soleil-like performance and Drew Carey, IBM's 2008 IMPACT Experience, held this week at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, annou It seems that IBM views SOA as needing a dating service, and has formed a “social network” to assist SOA builders in communicating, one to another, according to this article. “LAS VEGAS –Amidst a marching band, a Harley Davidson motorcycle riding onto the stage, a string quartet, a Cirque du Soleil-like performance and Drew Carey, IBM’s 2008 IMPACT Experience, held this week at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, announced in grand style the launch of the Smart SOA Social Network that helps connect customers to each other.” “The SOA Social Network connects people together either in person or via blogs or virtually. Virtual interaction is made possible through IBM Lotus Connections technology as well as integration with top social networking communities including Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Second Life.” I figured the Facebook and MySpace analogy was coming somewhere in there. Not that this is a bad thing…just not sure a vendor should drive the development of this network. These networks are best if developed from the ground up as an open and honest place for information sharing. If that’s IBM’s objective, great. However, I wonder how quickly anti-IBM posts will be deleted if IBM users run into issues with their technology. There is always a good story, and a bad story to tell about any technology and any vendor. However, to date, I’ve been very surprised at IBM’s willingness to let their employees post their opinions. I remember 6 months ago when an IBM consultant railed against ESBs in an article on the IBM web site. I give them major points for that. The article is still there, by the way. So, we’ll see how it goes, and if it goes. First thing, please syndicate this blog, and my Podcast, on the “social network.” Never filter it, and I will post good comments about this idea in 6 month. Deal IBM? “Carter also encouraged people to participate in the SOA Jam, an online brainstorming session to discuss issues, challenges and ideas related to SOA.” Lame. Should be SOA Mosh Pit…feel free to take any of my ideas by the way. One of the core things that it does indeed need addressing is the sharing of best practices among those building SOAs. Moreover, provide a rudimentary methodology that practitioners can follow to address their own requirements. Also, and most importantly, be open and honest and where the technology fits, and does not. While many think they can toss ESBs and BPM layers at their issues, the real world is somewhat different. Okay, I’m down. Where do I sign up? Software Development