From LEGO sets to enterprise IT equipment, examples abound of establishing a loyal customer base through the development of a flexible framework.

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Using its own product-development skills, Yamaichi's customer base and Sanwa's 400 branches, Merrill hoped for a fast start in fund management.

ECONOMIST: Japan��s ��big bang��

Research your customer base and see which devices they are using before you contract a development firm!

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