SOA Reference Architecture Traits

A SOA Reference Architecture must exhibit following traits:

1. Separation and Abstraction: Different functionalities of architecture must be sufficiently abstracted and separated (may be as layers) to incorporate functional and technological challenges under given business scenario.
2. Options: Reference architecture must give multiple options to carry out a process/task/activity to leverage the abstraction and separation of layers. It also enables one to carry out implementation to optimize as per the underlying platform and tool usage.
3. Architectural Decisions: Reference Architecture must support non functional requirements which in turn require grading of KPI ( Key Performance Indicator) and SLA ( Service Level Agreements).
4. Enabling Technology: Reference Architecture should be mapped to real life, available platforms, tools and techniques. At this point architecture may show some rigidity due to constrains of chosen platform/tools/ techniques.