Integration. The word triggers an array of impressions ranging from trepidation - about configuring connections between a variety of applications and working with complex tools - to frustration about large projects run over budget and schedule. And while the road to IT efficiency is littered with failed integration initiatives, remains IT's holy grail to use integration to achieve that efficiency.

The path to IT efficiency is looking much clearer today however, now that technologies have turned a corner away from complex and rigid integration solutions. IT has a new approach that is service-oriented, open, and extensible that promises to ease integration challenges, making the rapid creation and delivery of new composite applications and business processes attainable. Today's integration solutions are providing IT with the tools and technologies to infuse fluidity - a combination of flexibility and responsiveness - into its infrastructure.