Modular, swappable functions, separate from, yet connected to an application via well-defined interfaces to provide agility. Often referred to as 'services' they: Perform granular business functions such as "get customer address" or larger ones such as 'process payment.' Are loosely coupled to a new or existing application. Have capability to perform the steps, tasks and activities of one or more business processes. Can be combined to perform a set of functions - referred to as 'orchestration.'
Topic
Integration
EA: Application Architecture