Software-based Business Applications/Tools to Assess Complex SOA Investments - The Cross-Vendor Comparative Analysis

Numerous conceptual frameworks, different tools and methodologies on service-oriented architecture (SOA) business value figuring have been developed to estimate the IT/SOA investments effectively, but most of them substantially lack an accuracy. Conventional investment valuation methods need to be combined with other modern techniques to reflect SOA\´s long-term strategic investment nature, the inherent uncertainty and the managerial discretion. Thus, in this paper, we perform a comparative analysis of industrial, software-based SOA value assessment applications/tools developed by selected leading IT vendors. We expose their similarities and potential strengths/weaknesses. The goal is achieved through a systematic examination of available SOA/IT "business value" assessment tools provided by key IT-vendors. We also present a consolidated view of alternatives in form featured matrixes.