What software technology trend does Merrill Lynch’s IT investment to modernize its infrastructure illustrate?

The choice of web services as the correct answer illustrates a significant trend in software technology, especially in the context of modernizing infrastructure. Web services allow different applications to communicate with each other over the internet, enabling seamless integration and interoperability between various systems. This approach is aligned with Merrill Lynch's efforts to modernize its IT infrastructure by adopting more flexible and scalable technologies that can improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Through web services, organizations can leverage existing resources while expanding capabilities without the need for extensive hardware investment. This trend towards web services supports an architecture that can dynamically adapt to changing business needs, thus driving innovation and improving service delivery. As businesses like Merrill Lynch aim to enhance their infrastructure, the integration of web services becomes a vital component, facilitating quicker deployment of applications and improving the overall effectiveness of their IT strategies.