The approach combines a common set of data and integration capabilities with applications from independent software vendors. It addresses business issues for which IBM "can provide a predefined recipe of middleware and consulting assistance," says Paraic Sweeney, IBM's VP of marketing and industry solutions.
Sweeney says IBM recognizes the need for a holistic approach toward addressing business-technology issues. In branch transformation, for example, it's insufficient to simply install an application server; also needed are connectivity to the bank's back-office applications, "access technologies" such as portals to provide a flexible user interface and application integration, and information security.