Some recent buzz in the industry would have you believe that SOA is dead, but that just isn't the case — in fact, its use and influence are still growing. Stories of less-than-successful results may dent its reputation, particularly in today's climate of pessimism and uncertainty, but when done right, it has the potential for broad-reaching positive impact on the enterprise. CIOs should remember that SOA is a foundation for many of their other technology initiatives and that its real value comes from the critical role it plays in the larger technology vision — a role that is still alive and well.