Information Security for Service Oriented Computing: Ally or Antagonist

Service oriented computing is a ubiquitous environment. Services are designed and implemented across the Internet, where business transactions take place. To provide a secure infrastructure is challenging. However, there are currently various approaches to address information security, each with its own set of benefits and difficulties. This paper adopts one such approach as a point of reference, to determine current service oriented information security practices and challenges. Although current practices are emerging, and standards are being put in place, it is also revealed that there are many challenges faced by information technology practitioners and organizations alike. Analyzing current service oriented information security practices and challenges, may determine if service oriented information security is an ally or an antagonist.