It’s an independent members community, where SOA professionals from the UK and Ireland can keep up to date with the latest SOA information and initiatives, and also exchange their own ideas, insights, and best practices.

Sharing experience among a vibrant organisation of likeminded professionals means that everybody benefits. The forum is an active online community, and since all its members are SOA professionals working on current projects, they all may have something to contribute and something to gain.

The 70 existing members include IT architects, technical leaders and business analysts from 39 organisations and 12 industries. Although the dialogue is facilitated by IBM, this is a truly independent forum run by members, for members.

Membership is limited to IBM customers, prospects or third party analysts (by invitation only) and subject to advanced confirmation by IBM. IBM and the SOA forum steering committee reserve the right to refuse membership based on a registrant's status.

There are two face-to-face meetings a year to increase the opportunities for effective networking and to discuss various aspects of SOA. Members exchange ideas through debate and discussion both at these meetings and on the Web. The latest updates on IBM offerings are made available to members. Independent experts describe relevant case studies and offer their opinions as points of reference.

Working together, members can keep abreast of the latest developments and expand their horizons to drive new, successful SOA projects.

By hearing the word and spreading the word, they can develop their own capabilities and pass on awareness of the potential of SOA within their organisations.

As the forum grows, we are looking for new nominations for membership. SOA professionals in the UK and Ireland are invited to submit a nomination HERE.

Existing members can log in HERE.