Many service-oriented architecture (SOA) initiatives are in danger of going off the rails because project leaders have failed to address fundamental governance issues, experts have warned.

A new report from analyst firm Butler Group has highlighted a tendency for companies to underestimate the importance of building SOA governance frameworks at the outset. The report warns that organisations frequently fail to appreciate the importance of having the right people in the right roles and with sufficient authority to ensure that the architecture’s design is in lockstep with business goals.

This means SOA cannot be viewed as solely a technology issue, said Butler Group analyst Rob Hailstone. “Governance of the environment needs to be implemented early with the understanding and endorsement of business stakeholders as well as IT executives,” he added.