This IDC study analyzes the likely impacts on networks resulting from broad adoption of both services oriented architectures (SOA) and Web services. We answer the question, "How will the onslaught of SOA and Web-based applications impact the network?" This study also makes the argument that Layer 1/2 network technologies and application optimization tools and services will likely benefit from increased SOA and Web services adoption.

"For many companies, their high-latency, low-reliability, and relatively low-bandwidth wide area networks will be unable to meet the demands of SOA-based Web services." ? Sean Hackett, research manager, Business Network Services