This document provides an overview of service-based architectures and defines some of the key issues for data developers. It discusses the business needs driving service-based architectures, including providing access to data, services, and processes anytime from anywhere. It also outlines some of the IT implications, such as the need for multiple levels of integration and security. The document defines what constitutes a service and lists some key characteristics of service-oriented architectures, such as services representing published contracts between providers and consumers.