The basis for this analysis is based on the following scenario:
As a decision maker for a non-IT globall competing firm, you are presented with an opportunity to set up a sales office in Finland. Consider the following questions and provide your decision.
1. Would you set up a sales office?
Finland presents unique opportunities regarding technology for businesses. The compeition between the Finnet Group ad Telecom Finland has created affordable telecommunications costs. This is also in part due to the deregulation of the telecom industry.
Table A demonstrates the costs for domestic based lines.
Table B depicts domestic telephony costs.
Table C displays the costs of domestic X.25 services.
Each of the costs for Finland fall within the six least expensive for the world. Costs in Finland would not be an issue. The quailty and availability necessary to ensure the telecommunications requirements are satisfied for any business are met. Finland's government favors delivering new technologies to its citizens. Governmental bodies ensure that the customers best interests are fairly represented in the technology marketplace. Based on advancements made due to research, one must assume the IS professionals in Finland can support the information systems infrastructure.
I would favor the establishment of an office in Finland
2. Would you expand it?
The primary location to first establish a business would be within the city of Helsinki. Since Finland is relatively small, its population is approximately 5 million people, business expansion to Tampere or Oulu, would be next reasonable locations. The regions of Tampere and Oulu contain major universities and are well inhabited sections of the country.
Finland shares the longest, and only border, Europe has to the former Soviet Union. Finland's businesses have already begun to tap into this new market and have established working relationships. A regional distribution center would be necessary in serving not only areas of Europe, but the new markets in the former Soviet Union.
Finland would be an ideal candidate for a new business venture. Its telecommunications industry has been deregulated, the infrastructure is one of the best, its citizens are well educated, new technologies are well received, and anticipated, and usage of the Internet is extremely high. The extraordinary use of the Internet in Finland should be of particular interest to businesses looking to conduct electronic business transactions or expand their sales via this medium. Internet usage allows information to flow from everywhere and increase market access. The use of mobile telecommunications is the highest in Finland. This means business can be conducted anywhere. These factors combined make Finland one of the most attractive prospects for new business.
Keep your eyes on Finland. The latest in the technological revolution will probably have its roots in Finland.
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Last Update: 6 May 1997