The document discusses data-oriented architecture (DOA) as an alternative to traditional monolithic and service-oriented architectures (SOA). It highlights DOA's characteristics, such as its reliance on a monolithic data access layer, stateless components, and minimized inter-component interaction, which favor schema considerations over API definitions. The document also contrasts the advantages and challenges of DOA, emphasizing its suitability in specific complex integration scenarios while acknowledging the difficulties in schema design.