9.1. Introduction

According to an ancient Chinese proverb:

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

In many ways this is true of the current journey being undertaken by many organizations as they take the path toward enterprise-scale solutions in the Internet age. Most organizations recognize the need to change all too clearly. They see new competitors in their markets, they have identified opportunities to offer new products and services to larger markets, and they have discussed the potential for information technology to create efficiencies in the way in which they conduct their business—from streamlining back-office functions to improved front-office customer services. Information technology is seen as a major element ...

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