For data to be shared between systems, and for users to have access to seamless systems with common interfaces, the various systems must be compatible. In this context, compatible means sharing compatible hardware, operating systems and software. One way to ensure systems compatibility is to use hardware with common operating systems and capabilities, often by purchasing all hardware from one supplier, and at the same time to use integrated software 'suites' from the one supplier. While this approach can lock an EMB into a long term relationship with a particular set of suppliers, thereby reducing the opportunity for achieving savings by competition, it maximises the compatibility of the various components of the systems. Where systems are common, technical staff need to be familiar with a smaller set of hardware and software than if a wider variety of systems were in use.
Economies of scale can also result where the same hardware and software is purchased in bulk.
Training costs are also reduced if various systems in use are compatible. In particular, if all software in use is from the same supplier, common commands and processes will generally apply across the various systems, thus making it easier for users to be trained in them and become used to them. Compatible software is useful even where systems are not integrated. Use of compatible software ensures that various kinds of files such as word processing documents, spreadsheets, data files and email can be shared between staff in various locations without any concerns about data conversion or inability to read others' files. An issue to be aware of is compatibility between different versions of the same item of software.