For example Web Browsers and conventional email systems are in widespread use, but they also include cryptography which can secure communications if necessary. Pure cryptographic products, on the other hand, can be used in a more general-purpose manner and can be used to build a wide range of security systems for almost any use. The US cryptography debate has generated a great deal of interest and debate, but there is much misunderstanding of the global situation. It is misleading to state that non-American companies are flourishing because of the current US policy. The United States dominates the world's software market and will continue to do so.
Most countries do have effective export restrictions that regulate export of cryptographic products.
Baltimore Technologies has to deal with three export administrations in Ireland, the UK and Australia who regulate encryption product exports in different ways. US Companies operate in the best global environment to develop and sell high-technology products including cryptography. A US software development company can operate without any restriction on use of cryptography. US companies have unregulated access to a market of 260 million people who are the most advanced and wealthy consumers in the world. Contrast this with the situation of non-US developers who cannot access the security building blocks provided in operating systems.