Re-Use and Syndication. Software re-use has always been a key part of component-based software models, but it rarely has been practical to implement. Web services may be different. Some early adopters envision syndicating existing software systems (e.g., an investment bank’s derivatives calculator or other complex algorithms) to partners and customers. Other re-use ideas include leveraging the standards-based interoperability to deliver data to a variety of formats and devices(e.g., web browsers, mobile devices, and interactive television).
Automation and Productivity. Disparate systems still result in a remarkable amount of manual integration processes. As a result, web services’ interoperability promise to yield tremendous opportunities for productivity improvements through automation of business processes and employee productivity. Example projects might include exposing order status tracking and past purchase history to customers. Automation initiatives could yield results similar to the so-called “ATM Effect,” which has helped significantly simplify the cost structure and increase the profitability of retail banking.