EDS NetConnect, the alliance's initial service offering, aims to offer companies easy access to their mainframe-based data and applications through Web browsers, enabling companies to preserve their investments in legacy systems. Using the EDS NetConnect services, companies can replace traditional technology used to access and transport mainframe-based data.
Web browsers can then become the user interface for all corporate applications.
This network integration allows corporations to create their own Web-based intranets to provide employees, customers, suppliers and allies easy access to critical information. Existing mainframe-based applications remain integral elements of the system, thus preserving a corporation's investment in mainframe software applications. Implementing this new technology lays the foundation for large-scale electronic commerce and creates the potential for a whole new generation of applications that may generate revenue, increase employee productivity, lower costs and improve customer satisfaction. For example, a manufacturer can offer employees desktop access to customers' current order status stored on the company's mainframe computer. A securities brokerage can deliver clients thousands of online stock price quotes in a matter of moments.