CB.Net, a payments reference data provider, and LogicaCMG have teamed up to launch the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) Directory that will help financial organizations manage SEPA rules that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2008. SEPA is an initiative that will unify electronic payments in euros across 31 countries, ensuring that they are as simple as domestic payments.

The new directory will include payments data, such as bank identifier codes and national codes in the SEPA region. Companies will be able to use the directory, which will be powered by CB.Net's payments data, to validate payment coordinates for banks and make sure transactions are routed properly.

This is a perfect example of finding an idea for a product in the headlines. That's where you're going to really learn about the issues that keep your customers awake at night. And it's the best way to ensure that you remain relevant with those customers. As you keep tabs on the latest news and problems facing your industry, you need to constantly think of ways in which you can become part of the solution. Make news with your customers.

SNL Financial last week announced it had formed an alliance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to acquire and publish statutory insurance data as part of the information provider's database offerings. SNL currently serves the energy, banking, financial services, insurance, real estate and media and communications industries by providing a wealth of corporate, financial, market and merger and acquisition data.

SNL plans to begin offering the statutory insurance data in early 2008, making it a part of its SNL Unlimited for Financial Institutions information service. This data includes financial and operating data (such as line-of-business results and market share) quarterly for more than 5,000 companies.

With a full slate of offerings to its insurance industry clients already in its portfolio, SNL knew it still could, and should, offer even more. In the information industry, you're never really done—you have to always be on the look-out for new products and services that will integrate smoothly into your current platform and provide customers with a more robust experience. It certainly won't be a surprise if SNL announces similar alliances in the near future that will help bolster other industry offerings. It will be more surprising if it doesn't.