A service element is defined and represented by a data structure. It includes one or more components and/or one or more other service elements. A service element providing a complete function is a service offering. Management of service elements and/or service offerings is facilitated by a Service Development...http://www.google.es/patents/US7366678?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatente US7366678 - Facilitating error checking of service elements
