It is undeniable that globalisation is no longer an option but a strategic imperative for all but the smallest corporations. The Internet is increasingly the element that holds the global economy all together, as it makes the marketplace into a 24/7 event that takes place everywhere at once. The potential for cross-border trade has never been stronger.

Non-U.S. Web surfers account for 86% of all Web traffic worldwide, and non-English-speaking surfers for 57%.

More than 20% of traffic on U.S.-based Websites comes from outside the U.S.

By the end of 2005, it is expected that 17% of theof the worldwide population will have Internet access

By 2004, B-to-B (business-to-business) eCommerce revenue is estimated to surpass $7 trillion (North America represents $2.8 trillion, or 40%)

By 2003, 66% of all eCommerce spending will originate outside the U.S.

Companies are experiencing increased international competition because telecommunications is no longer an inhibitor, and the Web has reduced the geographical barriers to entry; retailing has expanded beyond cross-border to become truly global.