SOA enables a more pragmatic approach to planning IT strategies and changes. It provides a service architecture framework aligned with business goals and processes. This framework can be used to 1) identify scenarios to close gaps between current IT and business needs, 2) make tactical decisions on scenarios to implement, and 3) continuously optimize by returning to steps 1 and 2. The service architecture preserves viable existing assets, replaces outdated ones, and adds new capabilities, similar to how city planners manage infrastructure changes.