The main benefit of service-oriented architecture (SOA) is its ability to promote modular and scalable application development. SOA allows different services to communicate over a network, enabling businesses to build complex systems from reusable components, enhancing flexibility and adaptability. This architectural approach simplifies integration and promotes interoperability among various applications, making it easier to respond to changing business needs. Additionally, SOA fosters collaboration between development teams, facilitating quicker deployment and iterative improvements in software systems.