ABSTRACT
Europe is being faced with a challenge that could significantly impact its development and change the face of the global economy. Sovereign states are beginning a multifaceted process aimed at moving them into European economic and monetary union (EMU). The move to a single currency will affect member states who join EMU immediately. It will also have a major impact for European nations which delay their entry as well as countries around the world which trade with Europe. The chapter examines the implications of the sweeping conversion for Europe’s business community — a move estimated to cost in excess of $100 billion. It also examines the impact of EMU on the information systems which support this commerce. The chapter explores these implications from three principal perspectives: business strategy, information technology (IT) operational considerations, and IT supplier community concerns.
