DC OCFO implemented an enterprise service bus (ESB) to address various business and technical challenges. The ESB allows for loosely coupled systems, reusable code, and a service-oriented architecture. It supports multiple protocols, data transformation, routing, and security. Initial ESB applications automated fraud prevention by validating social security numbers on refunds and enabled online employer submission of W-2 data. Additional applications provided debt data sharing between agencies and compliance checks, increasing revenue collection. Lessons learned include ensuring services are discrete and abstracted to fully embrace SOA principles.