Why AIF services required in Axapta ?

Hi THAMRIN ,

we can use the AIF services to import the data in AXAPTA .

When we have the standard functionality like  Definition groups , Data Import / Export framework 2012 and Excel Addin  to import and export the data in AX 2012 and AX 2012 R2 .

In which case we can  use the AIF services and what are the advantages to use the AIF services when compared with above mentioned tools ?

Thanks in advance.