Enterprise GIS uses a shared central geodatabase that allows integration and dynamic updating of multiple GIS data sources without time-consuming compatibility and translation issues. It is based around industry IT standards and web services so it also enables non-GIS applications and systems to easily access(integrate with) GIS functionality, and GIS applications to easily access the functionality of mainstream business applications and IT systems. With an enterprise GIS system, users of spatial data spend more time on the analytical capabilities and business functions of a GIS and less time searching for, compiling, and integrating the data they require

Using ArcGIS Server technology the existing investments in spatial data can be leveraged through the development of new applications that yield benefits across the organization. Sharing spatial information between and among departments will become as commonplace as the exchange of tabular data is currently and will move GIS into the same enterprise category.