ABSTRACT
An Information and Technology architecture established upon principles based purely on domestic considerations with the implicit belief that it will hold true on an international level is a recipe for failure. While adaptability is a basic principle of many information and technology architectures, the ability to adapt quickly to market changes is particularly crucial when dealing in overseas, untapped markets where regulatory and infrastructure changes happen almost daily. Workflow support is of key importance if the workflow is spread among multiple geographic locations to ensure that operations are not disrupted. Robust communications infrastructures cannot be taken for granted. The reliability of communications will vary from country to country and the cost can also vary considerably. Vendor support and cooperation takes on new meaning when dealing internationally. Any standards established must be easily accessible globally.
