Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a design paradigm that allows different services to communicate and work together over a network. It promotes the use of loosely coupled services, which can be independently developed, deployed, and maintained, enhancing flexibility and scalability in software development. In SOA, services are defined by their functionality and can be accessed through standard protocols. This architecture enables organizations to integrate various applications and systems, facilitating better resource utilization and faster response to changing business needs. By adopting SOA, businesses can improve their operational efficiency and adapt more readily to new challenges.