Summary
In Forrester's 55-criteria evaluation of service-oriented architecture (SOA) service life-cycle management (SLM) vendors, we found that Software AG, Progress Software, and SOA Software lead the pack. Software AG has a strong strategy and consistently good functionality, with particular strength in its core repository. Progress Software has the strongest strategy but average functionality. SOA Software has the strongest functionality and average scores on strategy; its particular strengths are in its core repository, policy management, support for life-cycle management processes, and integration features. IBM, Oracle, HP, and WSO2 are Strong Performers with individual areas of relative strength. IBM's user tooling is particularly strong, as is Oracle's core repository. HP's user tooling is strong. WSO2 is an open source solution, which will interest some buyers, and its policy management and product architecture are its strongest areas.