Service-level objectives (SLOs) are crucial in ensuring that microservices-based architectures meet agreed-upon service levels by setting specific, measurable targets that guide teams in delivering reliable and responsive software. Alongside service-level agreements (SLAs), service-level indicators (SLIs), and error budgets, SLOs help organizations maintain performance standards, assess release risks, and make informed decisions about software development. SLOs are used to strike a balance between innovation and reliability by defining acceptable downtime and allowing teams to automate processes and detect issues proactively. They are vital for maintaining software quality, improving decision-making, and promoting automation throughout the software delivery lifecycle. Effective SLOs are adaptable, aligned with business goals, and supported by automated tools like Dynatrace, which facilitate the creation, management, and monitoring of SLOs to ensure they meet evolving user expectations and technical requirements.