Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms (SOAPs): Revolutionizing Enterprise IT

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, I want to discuss about something that’s really shaking up the world of enterprise automation – Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms, or SOAPs for short. Trust me, this is exciting stuff!

You know how businesses are always looking for ways to work smarter, not harder? Well, SOAPs are doing just that. They’re bringing together workflow orchestration, workload automation, and resource provisioning across hybrid IT environments. It’s like having a super-efficient conductor for your IT orchestra!

Now, if you’ve been in the tech world for a while, you might be familiar with traditional workload automation tools. SOAPs are like those tools’ cooler, more adaptable cousins. They’re helping Infrastructure and Operations (I&O) teams tackle complex workflows and keep up with all those cloud-based demands we’re seeing these days.

In September 2024, Gartner® released its first-ever Magic Quadrant for Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms. t shows how far we’ve come from those old-school workload automation tools.

According to the Gartner® Magic Quadrant, The SOAP market has grown from $2.9 billion in 2022 to $3.2 billion in 2023, with a projected increase to $6.3 billion by 2027.

But wait, there’s more! Gartner® is making a pretty bold prediction. They think that by 2027, a staggering 90% of organizations currently using workload automation will switch to SOAPs. Why? To manage workloads across both IT and business domains. That’s a lot of companies jumping on the SOAP bandwagon!

What does all this mean for you and me? Well, it shows that SOAPs are becoming a big deal in modern enterprises. They’re helping businesses boost efficiency, scale up easily, and save some serious cash. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want that?

Stick around, because I’m about to dive deeper into what these Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms are all about and how they’re making waves in the business world.

What are Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms (SOAPs)?

So, what exactly are SOAPs? Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms represent the next evolution in enterprise automation and orchestration solutions.

These powerful platforms are designed to help businesses design and implement complex business services by combining workflow orchestration, workload automation, and resource provisioning across an organization’s hybrid digital infrastructure.

In simpler terms, SOAPs act as a central hub for managing and automating various IT processes and services across different environments – be it on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid setups. They bring together disparate systems, applications, and workflows, allowing them to work in harmony and significantly boosting overall efficiency.

The Evolution from Workload Automation to SOAPs

To understand SOAPs better, it’s helpful to look at their origins. Many SOAP solutions have roots in traditional Workload Automation (WLA) tools. However, SOAPs represent a significant leap forward in capabilities and scope.

While traditional WLA tools focused primarily on automating batch processes and scheduling jobs, SOAPs go several steps further. They’re designed to handle the complexities of modern IT environments, including cloud-native infrastructure, edge computing, Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, and big data workloads.

The key differentiator is SOAPs’ ability to orchestrate and automate processes across hybrid IT environments. This means they can seamlessly work with applications and platforms that exist both on-premises and in cloud or container-based systems – a crucial capability in today’s diverse IT landscape.

In the Magic Quadrant for SOAP, Gartner provides detailed evaluations of 13 vendors

6 Key Capabilities of SOAPs

According to industry experts, including Gartner, SOAPs typically offer six key capabilities that set them apart from traditional automation tools:

#1. Workflow Orchestration

SOAPs excel at orchestrating workflows across heterogeneous landscapes. They provide a visual rendering of workflows, making it easier to design, implement, and manage complex processes that span multiple systems and environments.

#2. Event-Driven Automation

Unlike traditional time-based scheduling, SOAPs support real-time, trigger-based automation of IT processes. This means they can launch conditional workflows based on specific events or conditions, greatly reducing the need for manual intervention.

#3. Self-Service Automation

SOAPs empower various user types – from DevOps teams to business analysts – to create and manage their own workflows. This self-service capability allows IT operations to maintain central control while enabling end-users to perform automated tasks independently.

#4. Scheduling, Monitoring, Visibility, and Alerting

These platforms offer comprehensive tools for scheduling jobs, monitoring their progress in real-time, providing visibility across different environments, and alerting relevant parties if issues arise. This ensures transparency and helps maintain service level agreements (SLAs).

#5. Resource Provisioning

SOAPs can handle on-demand provisioning of computing, storage, and network resources across various environments. Some platforms even offer infrastructure-as-code features, helping standardize and simplify these processes across the business.

#6. Managing Data Pipelines

SOAPs excel at orchestrating automated processes to manage the flow of data across complex pipelines. They can integrate with various data tools (like ETL software, data warehouses, and visualization tools) and control the automated processes within each from a single workflow designer.

Why SOAPs Matter: Benefits for Businesses

The adoption of SOAPs can bring numerous benefits to organizations:

1. Increased Efficiency: By automating complex, multi-step processes, SOAPs significantly reduce the time and effort required to manage IT services. This allows IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down in routine tasks.
2. Cost Savings: Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, which can lead to significant cost savings in terms of human resources. Additionally, better resource provisioning can optimize infrastructure costs.
3. Improved Agility: SOAPs enable businesses to quickly adapt to changing needs by making it easier to modify and scale IT services. This agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment.
4. Enhanced Visibility and Control: With real-time monitoring and centralized control, organizations gain better insights into their IT operations. This improved visibility helps in making more informed decisions and maintaining compliance with various regulations.
5. Better User Experience: By streamlining service delivery and enabling self-service options, SOAPs can lead to faster, more reliable services for end-users.
6. Reduced Errors: Automation helps eliminate human errors that can occur during manual processes, leading to more reliable and consistent results.
7. Scalability: SOAPs can easily scale to accommodate growing business needs and increasing workloads, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Real-World Applications of SOAPs

To better understand how SOAPs can be applied in real-world scenarios, let’s look at a few examples:

1. IT Service Management: A large corporation uses a SOAP to automate its IT service management processes. When an employee submits a request for a new laptop, the SOAP automatically triggers a series of actions: checking inventory, placing an order if needed, setting up the necessary software, and scheduling delivery to the employee.
2. Cloud Resource Management: A tech startup uses a SOAP to manage its cloud resources across multiple providers. The platform automatically scales resources up or down based on demand, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing costs.
3. DevOps Processes: A software development company uses a SOAP to streamline its DevOps processes. The platform automates code deployments, runs tests, and manages the entire continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline.
4. Customer Onboarding: A SaaS company uses a SOAP to automate its customer onboarding process. When a new customer signs up, the platform automatically provisions the necessary resources, sets up the customer’s account, and triggers welcome emails and tutorials.
5. Healthcare Data Management: A hospital uses a SOAP to manage patient data across various systems. The platform ensures that patient information is consistently updated across electronic health records, billing systems, and appointment scheduling tools.

The Future of SOAPs

As technology continues to evolve, so too will Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms. Here are some trends we’re likely to see in the future:

1. AI and Machine Learning Integration: SOAPs will increasingly incorporate AI and machine learning capabilities to provide more intelligent automation and predictive analytics.
2. Extended Automation: We’ll likely see SOAPs expand beyond IT to orchestrate and automate processes across other business functions like marketing, sales, and human resources.
3. Improved Self-Service: SOAPs will offer even more robust self-service capabilities, empowering non-technical users to create and manage their own workflows.
4. Enhanced Cloud Integration: As more businesses move to the cloud, SOAPs will offer deeper integration with cloud services and better multi-cloud management capabilities.
5. IoT Orchestration: With the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), SOAPs will likely evolve to manage and orchestrate processes involving IoT devices and data.

Challenges and Considerations

While SOAPs offer many benefits, implementing them can come with some challenges:

1. Complexity: SOAPs can be complex to set up and maintain, especially in large organizations with many different systems and processes.
2. Integration Issues: Connecting a SOAP with legacy systems or incompatible tools can sometimes be challenging and may require custom integrations.
3. Security Concerns: As SOAPs often have access to multiple systems and sensitive data, ensuring robust security measures is crucial.
4. Change Management: Implementing a SOAP often requires significant changes to existing processes, which can face resistance from employees accustomed to the old ways of working.
5. Initial Investment: While SOAPs can lead to long-term cost savings, the initial investment in terms of software, training, and implementation can be substantial.

Orchestration vs. Automation

Choosing the Right SOAP

When selecting a Service Orchestration and Automation Platform for your organization, consider the following factors:

• Scalability: Ensure the platform can grow with your business needs.
• Integration Capabilities: Look for a SOAP that can easily integrate with your existing tools and systems.
• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface can make adoption easier and reduce the need for extensive training.
• Customization Options: The ability to customize workflows and processes to your specific needs is crucial.
• Security Features: Robust security measures are essential, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive data.
• Support and Community: Good vendor support and an active user community can be invaluable when you need help or want to learn best practices.
• Cost: Consider both the initial implementation costs and ongoing fees.

6 Best Service Orchestration And Automation Platforms (SOAPs)

1. RunMyJobs by Redwood

Redwood Software has established itself as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant. Its SOAP, RunMyJobs, is a highly scalable solution for workload automation and workflow orchestration. Their flagship product, RunMyJobs, provides robust capabilities across distributed hybrid and cloud environments, available as both a Software as a Service (SaaS) and self-hosted offering.

The company maintains a strong global footprint, with geographically diversified operations that support clients of all sizes and sectors. In 2024, Redwood introduced the Advanced Connector Wizard, empowering users to swiftly create API-based connectors to any application within their hybrid IT landscape through an intuitive graphical interface.

Redwood Software excels in SaaS expertise, enterprise integration, and global strategy. They have provided SOAP capabilities as a SaaS for over a decade, driving revenue growth. RunMyJobs offers a vast integration catalog and a strong SAP partnership for comprehensive functionality. Redwood’s global presence supports sales and services worldwide, ensuring data governance. These strengths position Redwood as a leader in workload automation and workflow orchestration, addressing complex IT needs. 

2. BMC Software

BMC Software has established itself as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant, offering robust solutions for workload automation and workflow orchestration across distributed hybrid environments. The company provides two main products: Control-M (self-hosted) and BMC Helix Control-M (SaaS). These offerings deliver comprehensive capabilities and innovative features, supporting various deployment options including on-premises, virtual machines, containers, and SaaS.

With a strong global footprint, BMC serves clients of all sizes and sectors through its geographically diversified operations. In 2024, the company enhanced its jobs-as-code (JaC) capabilities by introducing automation REST APIs, enabling integrations through CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, BMC expanded the capacity and capabilities of its SaaS offering.

BMC Software enhances its position in the workload automation and workflow orchestration market through comprehensive product strategies, innovation, and global partnerships. By offering diverse integrations, promoting low-code customization, and improving data orchestration capabilities, BMC empowers developers and partners. Its global reach is supported by strategic alliances with industry leaders, ensuring it meets evolving IT demands.

3. IBM

IBM has established itself as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant with its Service Orchestration and Automation Platform (SOAP) offering, IBM Workload Automation (IWA). This highly scalable solution provides comprehensive workload automation and workflow orchestration capabilities across distributed, hybrid, and cloud environments, particularly catering to the needs of large organizations.

IWA supports a wide range of deployment options, including on-premises, mainframe, customer or IBM cloud, and Software as a Service (SaaS). This flexibility allows organizations to choose the deployment model that best suits their specific requirements and infrastructure.

IBM maintains a strong global footprint, supporting clients of all sizes and sectors across numerous geographies. In 2024, the company enhanced IWA’s artificial intelligence capabilities, introducing AI-powered anomaly detection, predictive failure analysis, and AI-infused scheduling with its latest z/OS release.

IBM’s IWA is a key component of its workload automation strategy, supporting hybrid environments and managing workloads across various platforms. It offers flexible deployment options, including self-hosting, cloud, and SaaS, ensuring adaptability to diverse organizational needs. IBM’s global reach provides consistent sales and support services, reinforcing its leadership in the workload automation market by addressing the complex needs of modern enterprises. 

4. HCL Software

HCL Software has positioned itself as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant, offering a comprehensive solution for workload automation and workflow orchestration. Their product, HCL Automation Orchestrator Suite, delivers a wide range of capabilities designed for distributed hybrid and cloud environments.

The company provides flexible deployment options, allowing customers to self-host the solution on-premises or in their preferred cloud environment. Alternatively, clients can opt for a Software as a Service (SaaS) model or a managed service. HCL Software maintains a strong global presence, with sales and support operations spanning North America, EMEA, APAC, and Latin America.

In 2024, HCL Software enhanced its intelligent virtual assistant, Clara, enabling direct interaction with Workload Automation and Universal Orchestrator using natural language. This advancement facilitates the execution of routine tasks and problem diagnosis.

HCL Automation Orchestrator Suite offers versatile deployment options, including self-hosted and SaaS, to meet regulatory and high-volume demands. The suite integrates innovative AI and ML features like Clara AI-Assistant and AI Data Advisor to enhance productivity without additional costs. With a global strategic presence, HCL Software provides consistent service and support worldwide, solidifying its role as a leader in workload automation and workflow orchestration for modern enterprises. 

5. Stonebranch

Stonebranch has solidified its position as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant with its Service Orchestration and Automation Platform (SOAP) offering, Universal Automation Center. This highly scalable solution delivers robust workload automation and workflow orchestration capabilities across distributed hybrid and cloud environments. Stonebranch provides flexibility in deployment options, allowing customers to self-host the solution or utilize it as a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering.

The company maintains a global presence, offering direct sales and support in all regions except Latin America. In 2024, Stonebranch enhanced its platform by introducing a new OpenTelemetry-based monitoring and observability capability, significantly improving visibility into workloads and workflows.

Stonebranch excels in workload automation and workflow orchestration with a vast integration catalog, exceptional customer service, and a robust product strategy. They offer seamless integration across IT systems, smooth transitions from other solutions, and a versatile platform for data orchestration. Their focus on service excellence and modern DevOps practices strengthens their position as an industry leader. 

6. Broadcom

Broadcom has established itself as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant, offering a comprehensive solution for workload automation and workflow orchestration. Their product, Automic Automation, provides a robust set of capabilities designed to support digital businesses across distributed hybrid environments.

The company maintains a strong global presence, with sales and support operations spanning North America, EMEA, Asia/Pacific (APAC), and Latin America. Broadcom offers flexible deployment options for Automic, allowing customers to implement the solution on-premises or as a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering, with the introduction of AutomicSaaS in May 2024.

Broadcom’s Automic Automation excels in scalability, managing complex workloads with zero-downtime upgrades and robust security. Its Automation Analytics & Insight (AAI) offers valuable insights across diverse environments, enabling data-driven decisions and risk reduction. With a global presence, Broadcom provides consistent sales and support services, reinforcing its leadership in workload automation and workflow orchestration.

FAQs

Conclusion

Service Orchestration and Automation Platforms represent a powerful tool for businesses looking to streamline their IT processes, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in the digital age. By automating repetitive tasks, integrating disparate systems, and providing real-time visibility into operations, SOAPs can help organizations reduce costs, minimize errors, and focus on strategic initiatives.

As Gartner predicts, “by 2027, 90% of organizations currently delivering workload automation will be using service orchestration and automation platforms (SOAPs) to orchestrate workloads and data pipelines in hybrid environments across IT and business domains.” This forecast underscores the growing importance of SOAPs in the modern business landscape.

While implementing a SOAP can be a complex undertaking, the benefits often far outweigh the challenges. As these platforms continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies like AI and expanding into new areas of business, they’re likely to become an even more integral part of modern IT infrastructures.

Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, considering a Service Orchestration and Automation Platform could be a significant step towards digital transformation and operational excellence. As with any major technology decision, it’s important to carefully assess your organization’s needs, evaluate different options, and plan for a smooth implementation to ensure you reap the full benefits of these powerful platforms.

In an era where digital agility can make or break a business, SOAPs offer a path to greater efficiency, adaptability, and innovation. By embracing these platforms, organizations can position themselves to thrive in the increasingly complex and fast-paced digital landscape of the future.