What effects are technological forces having on international marketing? What opportunities exist in the global marketplace that marketers can exploit with regard to technology?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Advances in technology have made international marketing much easier. Interactive Web systems, instant messaging, and podcast downloads, along with the traditional vehicles of voice mail, e-mail, and cell phones, make international marketing activities more affordable and convenient. Internet use and social networking activities have accelerated dramatically within the United States and abroad. In many developing countries that lack the level of technological infrastructure found in the United States and Japan, marketers are beginning to capitalize on opportunities to leapfrog existing technology. For example, cellular and wireless phone technology is reaching many countries at a more affordable rate than traditional hard-wired telephone systems. Consequently, opportunities for growth in the cell phone market remain strong in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. One opportunity created by the rapid growth in mobile devices in Kenya is mobile payment services. Because banks tend to avoid catering to lower income populations, such services are likely to grow.