Which term describes a component (service) - based distributed architecture?

• A. Service-oriented Architecture
• B. Threat Modeling
• C. Centralized Architecture
• D. Shadow IT

Answer: (A)

The main concept being tested is describing how software is organized as independent, interoperable units that can work together over a network. This pattern is best captured by service-oriented architecture, which builds applications from discrete services with well-defined interfaces and contracts. Each service encapsulates a specific business capability and can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently, then composed with others to form broader workflows or processes. This approach promotes loose coupling, reusability, and cross-platform integration, making it a natural fit for a component-based distributed architecture.

Threat modeling focuses on analyzing potential security threats, not on how software components are organized. Centralized architecture describes a monolithic or single-point design, which contrasts with a distributed services approach. Shadow IT refers to unsanctioned IT systems and tools, not a formal architectural pattern.