This slide looks at the trends in enterprise software. The text cites the example of enterprise solutions from SAP, which combines key
applications in finance, logistics and procurement, and human resources administration into a core ERP component. Businesses then extend these applications by linking to function-specific Web services such as employee recruiting or collections management provided by SAP and other vendors. SAP provides over 500 Web services through its Web site.
Ask students to define open-source, and on-demand. What are the benefits of service platforms?