Trade links via the Internet; here's how some small business exporters are using technology to plug into global markets

Nation's Business, Dec, 1997 by Roberta Maynard

Reference Tools

* Asian Sources CD-ROM, The Asian Sources Media Group, (847) 475-1900. Despite its name, Asian Sources contains a wealth of information on products and suppliers from all regions of the world. This CD-ROM supplements Asian Sources' 11 industry magazines covering computers, electronics, fashion, gifts, and manufacturing products. It comes with a subscription to any of Asian Sources' magazines subscriptions start at $60 a year.

* KR OnDisc Quest Economics, Knight-Ridder Information Inc., 1-800-334-2564. This CD-ROM provides financial information and trade profiles of more than 240 countries. The information--from financial institutions, government agencies, and economic-research organizations--includes economic forecasts, exchange rates, industrial surveys, and political information. Annual subscription: $2,750.

* The Export Expert, Columbia Cascade Inc., (703) 860-0866. These two CD-ROMs of information can help small firms determine if exporting is for them. The Judging Your Export Readiness disc can help companies determine whether they are ready to export their products, answers basic questions on exporting, and identifies potential markets. The second disc, The Complete Guide to the Global Trade Process, includes the above information as well as a guide to selling products overseas. Price for the first disc is $69.95; the second disc costs $169.95.

* The World Factbook 1996 and Handbook of International Economics 1996, National Technical Information Service, (703) 487-4650. The CIA has compiled this CD-ROM with detailed information on 267 nations. The World Factbook contains profiles of countries, including geographic, economic, government, and infrastructure information. The Handbook of International Economics provides statistics on the economic performance of countries and regions. Price is $40 from the National Technical Information Service.

* World Country Analyst, Gale Research Inc., 1-800-877-4253. This CD-ROM contains analytical information on the economies and political structures of every nation. The searchable database covers business conditions, investment climates, trade barriers, financing, and economic-development contacts. Price is $425 from Gale Research.

Doing Business

* ExportPower Pro, EZX Corp., (281) 280-9900. This product is designed to make it easier to sell in foreign markets. It generates exporting forms such as purchase invoices, certificates of origin, shippers' export declarations, customs invoices, and packing lists. Price is $499 from EZX

* Tradesolutions, Integrated Trade Systems, (630) 261-9740. Tradesolutions helps serious exporters in all aspects of an export deal, including price quotes, purchase orders, and shipping. It also handles accounting functions through an accounting program bundled with the software. Price starts at $10,000 from Integrated Trade Systems.

Translation

* Easy Translator, Transparent Language Inc., 1-800-752-1767. This handy software translates text, electronic mail, or Web pages from English to Spanish, French, or German, or from those languages into English. Retail price: $39.95