So, Where Does This Leave Everyone?
In the final analysis, the year is shaping up to be a turbulent one with acquisitions, alliances, and partnerships being comparable to a pilot trying to find stable air. Although it is not specifically called an exchange, the integration of sell-side applications is now more critical than ever. Projects aimed at increasing customer satisfaction, developing and retaining the top two tiers of accounts, and defining strategies to automate distribution channels are needed more now than ever before. The compass in many companies is pointing to the customer, and the harnessing of technologies to serve them and keep them attuned to your company is the best investment of all.