In a recent executive brief by IBM Global Business Services titled “No Bank is an Island – Get global before globalization gets you” (see http://ibm.co/ApnvYB) was a eye opener. To read about global opportunities in the emerging markets may be an idealistic and far-fetched concept, but to actually see it in action is “extraordinary.” A recent view of an SAP video (see http://bit.ly/yiaiaC) of Standard Bank in Johannesburg, South Africa using the Sybase Unwired Platform, actually “takes banking to people.” Yes, the “unbanked”! Just imagine opening up a bank account in a village, farm, or marketplace with a mobile device. Exciting! Standard Bank has embraced technology and increased their customer base by leaps and bounds. Look out U.S. banks global competition is on its way!