Anti-Patterns: Integrating Distributed and Heterogeneous Data Sources in SOAs

In computer science, anti-patterns are specific repeated practices that appear initially to be beneficial, but ultimately result in undesirable consequences that outweigh the expected advantages. In this article we present our experiences from a range of industrial projects where there is a strong need for integrating distributed and heterogeneous data sources. SOA approach is selected to achieve the integration goals. We present the problem and the common solution approach that has been repeatedly observed in the field. This common approach manifests itself as an anti-pattern since in many cases the solution produces unwanted outcomes. We outline the reasons for the failures and introduce a preferred solution to the same problem that we have successfully applied in many cases as an alternative to the so-called common approach.