The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/57001
GLOBALIZED DESKTOP Supporting a Cultural Challenges • Work week differences might exist (e.g., weekends in the Middle East are Friday and Saturday). • Holiday differences exist. • Language differences exist. • In some cultures, the locals don't want to tell you "no," so they say "yes" for things they will not do. T IP: Brush up on local customs before you travel to a foreign country. Recommended Book: "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in More Than Sixty Countries" And Don't Forget About… Just when you thought the list of considerations was complete, here are a few more things to keep in mind. Local Support in an International Office • Selecting a Local Vendor: The local office administrator or lawyers may have leads. Your local office manager will be a great resource for everything. Geographical Challenges • High telecommunication costs might exist (e.g., $40,000 a month for a point-to-point T1 or MPLS circuit from Dubai to London). • High data-roaming costs might be an issue. • The ability to obtain products in a timely fashion might be difficult. • Products might not be available in a specific country. • Parts can get stuck in customs for weeks or months. • Buying parts locally from a gray market may be your only source for a part on-the-fly. • Department of Defense (DOD) restrictions exist on product exports. • Use Your Connections: Don't forget about your ILTA peers — network with those who have offices in the same city or country. You'll also want to network with your regular vendors to get leads for possible local vendors. • Security: It might be difficult to trust the local vendor. • Vendor Support: Coordinating vendor support can be problematic. Government Regulations • Plan longer lead times for projects because government offices may work slowly. • Be aware of privacy laws (i.e., what data have to be maintained locally, and what can be housed outside the country). Peer to Peer 55