This efficient architecture is based on open standards, making it easier to collaborate with suppliers, partners, regional and corporate offices, and customers. From a technology acquisition standpoint, the .NET framework will allow financial services executives to decide whether they want to buy or rent the software that runs their businesses, and host it locally or remotely, through a third party. Microsoft .NET is the framework that truly will enable financial businesses and their customers to communicate any time, any place, on any devices. The Microsoft .NET Web services platform can also integrate disparate legacy systems with current Internet technologies, allowing applications, services, and devices to work together in a digital environment. XML makes it possible for information to travel between trading partners and customers who use different applications, store their data in different databases, operate and access data with different devices, etc.
Easier collaboration means more agility.
These applications can live inside the firewall at a company, or they can be hosted remotely and accessed via the Internet. Handheld wireless devices like cell phones and personal digital assistants are increasingly commonplace for retail customers. Managers seeking greater business agility are also discovering the utility of handheld wireless devices for staff. Along with process integration, management also becomes less isolated. Maximum value from internal systems.