SOA adoption in higher education: a practical guide to service- oriented virtual learning environment

The adoption of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) in higher education helps solve the adaptability problems by reducing the complexity of integration of new systems, by reusing services, and increasing the agility. Even more, using shared services and Cloud Computing solutions helps universities to create a collaborative and open environment, with low costs and efficient service management. This paper proposes a SOA adoption solution for universities with the aim of creating an environment where learners access more easily the digital information in order to support their lifelong education and career goals. Also, the paper analyses the integration of education systems and standards with SOA, as well as the creation of new educational environments. The solution helps understand the way universities can solve the complex and growing demands of the educational system with reduces investments.