While the advent of computers, communications and software in all facets of business and industry has created a boom in telecommunications, it has also generated a gap in the understanding of how best to connect, network and capitalize on the growing number of corporate databases currently in use. This book is designed to fill this critical information gap by providing readers with the fundamentals necessary to integrate heterogeneous databases. Based on a research project that involved 70 leading organizations and 250 technologists, the text presents an analysis of how cross-database solutions can be effectively developed. Written by experts with nearly 40 years of experience in the computer and communications fields, it should prove a useful aid to all those involved in sophisticated information technology operations. The book presents basic background information and practical implementations and provides strategies for benefiting from the added value principle. Emphasis is placed on the developing field of handling long transactions.