This guide for IT professionals presents a comprehensive strategy for value chain infrastructure planning. Throughout the text, e- business consultants Robertson and Sribar (of META Group) discuss best practices for dealing with architecture and technology issues within the infrastructure. Topics include, for example, the benefits of adaptive infrastructure services; key patterns for e-business; encryption hardware; and physical, functional, and management components. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)