subject: The Effect Of Technology On International Business [print this page] The impact of information technology on businesses all over the world is impossible to overstate. Even by the standards of technological innovations in previous eras, none are really comparable to the world wide web, in particular. The internet has totally transformed the way in which we communicate with one another and, more importantly from the commercial point of view, the way in which we procure all manner of products and services. Instead of being restricted to buying items within a local, regional or national market, consumers now find they have literally a world of choice at their fingertips. Likewise, businesses have been similarly liberated by the internet and other technological developments.
Computing devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablet PCs have greatly aided the ease of communication and the international flow of data, enabling businesses to reach out to brand new markets thousands of miles away from their native country. Furthermore, new software innovations have made it easier for them to improve their networking skills and conduct more in-depth research which in turn also assists with their efforts to gain a foothold in foreign markets. The sheer variety of new devices which have emerged on to the global market has been immense and it seems there's yet more where that came from.
Mobile devices particularly tablet computers and smartphones have enabled workers to relay information at a rapid rate, as well as giving them the ability to converse with clients and colleagues all over the world. Not only has this greatly speeded up the processes associated with business, but it's also made it far easier for businesses to receive feedback from outside the organisation. The advent of social media and email have made businesses far more accountable to their customers. Of course, if customers don't feel their grievances are being dealt with, they can always take them to other websites and broadcast them to a wider audience, which again puts more pressure on businesses to act.
While many businesses took a relatively lackadaisical attitude towards their web presence initially, the sheer volume of trade that takes place over the internet has forced them to take it more seriously in recent years. While big-name British retailers have been relatively quick to act and establish themselves online, this hasn't necessarily been the case in all developed countries. Those companies which haven't taken full advantage of online commerce, however, need to move quickly because mobile commerce appears to be the next frontier.
