http://www.soamag.com The SOA Magazine is a monthly online publication provided by SOA Systems Inc. and Prentice Hall/PearsonPTR and is officially associated with the "Prentice Hall Service-Oriented Computing Series from Thomas Erl." SOA en-us Copyright 2006-2007, SOA Systems Inc. http://www.soamag.com/I9/0707-3.asp Where the core competency model focuses on doing things more efficiently than market rivals, a differentiation-based strategy focuses on doing things differently (or doing different things) than market rivals. In this article, we will expand our discussion beyond the core competency model to explore differentiation-based strategy, and consider the linkage between an organization's strategic posture, and its approach to service-orientation. SOA http://www.soamag.com/I9/0707-3.asp#When:02.07.07 http://www.soamag.com/I5/0307-3.asp How does the application of SOA translate into a competitive advantage for organizations? The ability to clearly and concisely respond to this question is a prerequisite to any investment in SOA. The core competency model provides a strategic framework from which a corporation can develop an SOA business strategy based on improved business focus and enhanced ability to leverage market-based economies of scale. Four key business concepts that underpin the strategic framework are presented in this article, along with a discussion of how SOA, coupled with business process outsourcing (BPO), provide a strategic opportunity for corporations to drive and leverage the emergence of the service-oriented market. (First published in The SOA Magazine Issue V, March 2007.) SOA http://www.soamag.com/contributors/bio-wmurray.asp#When:01.03.07 http://www.soamag.com/I3/0107-3.asp The need to somehow change the way we do business as a prerequisite to unlocking the transformative potential (and resulting competitive advantage) inherent in technological innovation is becoming increasingly recognized. The scope of discussion this time around however moves beyond organizational efficiencies to whole of market efficiencies, and the strategic implications this has in terms of planning and organizational design. Many business leaders have grown progressively indignant towards the over-sold and under-delivered powers of technology to effect their bottom line - these, the same people who are responsible for setting strategic direction, business planning, and capital investment. This is the first in a series of articles targeting the business community. It explores the implications of SOA on strategic planning and organizational design from a business perspective. (First published in The SOA Magazine Issue III, January 2007.) SOA http://www.soamag.com/contributors/bio-wmurray.asp#When:03.01.07