IBM

International Business Machines (IBM) is a global producer of computers and computer related products. IBM is a global leader in creating, developing, and manufacturing the most advanced information technology, computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices, and microelectronics. IBM uses strength as an industry leader to provide its customers with professional business solutions. The company is the largest information technology company and is the world's largest IT financier with assets of $35 billion in March 2003. IBM Global Financing provides financial services to over 125,000 customers in forty countries worldwide. In 2002, IBM employed over 315,000 employees in multiple locations around the United States and the world. The IBM family includes many employees in the company's many manufacturing plants and research laboratories in the U.S. as well as in Chin, Japan, India, Israel, and Switzerland. Despite the company's international presence, IBM calls Armonk, New York its home.

IBM's mission statement is "At IBM, we strive to lead in the creation, development and manufacture of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. We translate these advanced technologies into value for our customers through our professional solutions and services businesses worldwide.

A company of IBM's size and stature in order to be successful, certain things must occur. IBM must have employees from every corner of the world in the global market. These employees will have different languages, customs and religious beliefs. There will certainly be a broad mix of cultures. IBM must be familiar with their employ...

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...h are impediments to the GII. A broader effort has been initiated in the OCED and other opportunities. Support for initiating negotiations in the OCED for a Multilateral Agreement on Investment that provides a framework, including dispute resolution, for international investment is needed.

Other government policies also contribute to restricting market access, including discriminatory procurement practices, need of open and transparent procedures and regulations; such as the lack of harmonized trade-related administration practices; absence of protection for intellectual property rights and licensing; restrictions on trans-border data transmission, and restrictions on the trans-border movement of people. These and similar government barriers should be eliminated as soon as possible in order to promote the free flow of goods and services that the GII depends on.