Special Report: Globalization

January 11, 2001 12:00 PM ET

Computerworld -


		Once upon a time, only top executives at multinational firms had to worry about international business. But no more. Trade barriers are tumbling, supply chains stretch from the first world to the third, and business with an Internet presence suddenly finds itself slugging it out globally online. Globalization makes the e-commerce revolution look like a street skirmish. And, as usual, IT is right in the thick of things. In this Special Report, check out the political pitfalls, disasters and career opportunities that are possible when you're forced onto the world stage.


	IT leaders who oversee international IT operations face a host of problems, including overcoming language and cultural differences, telecommunications headaches and a lack of standards for electronic exchanges.		Want to survive a global IT disaster? A succesful strategy requires central planning and setting some common standards. But even the best-laid plans may go nowhere without top management buy-in, IT managers advise.


	For companies doing business on a global basis, meeting the demands of staffing an IT operation requires more than just competitive compensation packages. They must also boast a strong reputation, attractive corporate culture, cultural sensitivity, extensive training programs and challenging IT projects that allow workers to grow.		If you think the chance to work with technology abroad sounds like an adventure, you may be right. But it's probably not as glamorous as you imagine. Just ask Keith Kratville, who returned from Australia with valuable experience, not stories of encounters in the Outback.

	Globalization Links:
	Global Focus:		Forum:
	Latest coverage of international issues from Computerworld's print and online editions.		A shrinking world means growing complications. Join an online discussion on the challenges of going global.

	Online Resources:		Quick Study:
	A roundup of the Web's best sites for regulations, statistics, global news, expert advice and more.		The basics of internationalizing a Web site.

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