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.com/patents/US7302400?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7302400 - System and method for the development and deployment of service elements
