SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is an XML-based protocol for accessing web services over the internet. It provides a way for applications to communicate with each other over the internet in a platform and language independent way. It is a mature technology that has been around for many years and is widely adopted in the developer community. It is also a lightweight protocol that is simple to implement and provides a secure way of communication. The protocol uses standard XML-based messages which can be easily parsed and processed by any application. SOAP is a powerful and versatile technology that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Its flexibility and extensibility make it an attractive choice for developers looking to build secure and reliable applications.