Reuters, Siebel join up on financial software

Key:

NEW YORK: Global news and information provider Reuters Group Plc and software

provider Siebel Systems Inc. on Sunday unveiled an agreement to co-develop

customised software solutions for financial institutions.

The deal will integrate Reuters' financial solutions with Siebel's eBusiness

Applications software, the companies said. The firms said the collaboration will
provide financial advisors with real-time access to customer information and

allow them to proactively manage their accounts.

London-based Reuters and San Mateo, California-based Siebel said they would

co-market the solutions to both existing and prospective customers and implement

joint customer-led engagements initiated by either company.

"By combining Reuters' proven business integration skills with Siebel

Systems' expertise in customer relationship management we can lower total cost

of ownership," said Alex Hungate, Reuters chief marketing officer and

president, in a statement. "The relationship with Siebel Systems will

enable our customers -- especially our wealth management customers -- to better

service their customer base."