Cloud computing describes the implementation and deployment of network-based applications in a tremendously scalable and virtualized IT environment. In fact, it defines advancement towards the wide-area networks (WANs) like the Internet to establish a swift connection between service providers and end-users. There is no denying the fact that the cloud brings a host of benefits with it and companies never give a second thought to Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) while gearing up for cloud hosting. SOA is a model that inter-connects services through intuitive interfaces and standard protocols allowing sharing and re-utilization across or beyond the enterprise. SOA-enabled services can be easily tailored to meet dynamic business demands. 

SOA is one of the evident agility-enhancing technology without which having centralized governance, stringent security and predictable scalability are indubitably intricate. Service-Oriented Architectures are extremely dynamic and scalable in nature. Technically, cloud-only focuses on the provider and consumer relationships and not on technology. In SOA, interface details are communicated at run-time, and entire elements are connected in a way that it establishes a swift communication flow. This allows businesses to suspend the service at run-time and move to the other service provider for better quality service.

Moreover, SOA Can Address the Following Challenges Faced Due to cloud computing:

Security Breaches:

Undeniably, the cloud is a key enabler of augmented service delivery and greater value, but the fact that it has some security concerns too, can’t be denied. Physical sharing of data and applications can be easily curbed by implementing SOA based access and control levels. You can customize the development approaches, create your own security policies, and make changes in the way services are utilized by the end-users.

Lack of Standard APIs:

All businesses have their own specifications and unique requirements demanding standard APIs for hassle-free performance. SOA helps in centralizing governance across the enterprise.

Dependency on Individual Cloud vendor:

With the current business scenario, vendor lock-in is a risk that curtails the growth of a business. SOA offers the capability to make changes in business operations with no hassle and without demanding major shifts in the migration, and implementation process. Applying the SOA design model, services and applications must be not dependent on underlying hardware components.

Unorganized Governance:

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are adopting cloud technology creating chances for duplication.  Cloud is a set of services interrelated to each other. Failure of service can have a direct impact on the other, bringing operations to a halt. In this light, SOA can provide robust governance services and control.  

In a nutshell, cloud and SOA together can shape the enterprise’s competitive advantage, align business operations, and add agility to ongoing business processes. 

What SOA does?

Cloud computing and SOA go hand in hand. Not only cloud computing also helps to build overall organization architecture. Service-oriented architecture works in real-time and thus is successful in the real life. SOA challenges the very core issues that commonly happen while running an enterprise. The areas where SOA work are-

1. Helps in targeting new markets- SOA cloud computing is good at targeting new market domains. SOA enabled mainframes helps in getting new offerings by checking imaging, processing, outsourcing the customer service, etc. SOA in cloud computing improves the time in which it takes in the market to excel. There are many big organizations that are witness to such improvement in terms of performance in the market. 
2. Better at streamlining operations- A successful SOA formula will help your organization to keep everything up to date. It saves a lot of costs, helps in integration, and improves the overall IT operations. 
3. Protects the environment- SOA and cloud computing when consolidated together can even help in modifying technologies working in space. If it is so useful in such complex technologies, then imagine how useful it can be for your business. 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the cloud is the future and it is going to rule the world. Combining cloud with SOA is going to be a game-changer for everyone. SOA challenges the core issues that are commonly observed in the running of the enterprise. Moreover, the SOAs work in targeting new markets, better streamlining the operations, and protecting the environment. Enterprises can go for the service-oriented architecture for reducing the hassle of cloud challenges.