Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for automating the expression of functional aspects of a target service to a client service via a vehicle referred to herein as a contract are provided. Generally, the methods are performed in the context of a distributed computing environment configured to underlie operations of service application(s). In embodiments, the contract is implemented and bound upon ascertaining that the expressed functional aspects satisfy dependencies of the client service. Generally, the contract defines interfaces and maintains properties that configure the interfaces during installation. During the implementation, one of the interfaces is established and parameterized in accordance with the properties associated therewith. During the binding, the target service and the client service are linked via communication channels that are routed through the established interface. Accordingly, calls from the client service over the communication channels allow for reaching and employing the functional aspects of the target service.