The industry is an enabler , helping the U.S. lead in productivity, creativity, and ultimately, knowledge, which makes us all more competitive. U.S. computer companies rank one and two in worldwide sales of mainframe computers. U.S. computer companies compete successfully in more than 140 countries, against 50,000 worldwide competitors. The ability to sell products and access technology worldwide is essential to the continued competitiveness of the U.S. computer industry and its success around the world. The U.S. computer industry is the worldwide market share leader.
Technology is perishable.
The incredibly rapid pace of change in the computer industry distinguishes it from traditional manufacturing businesses. Every 18 months, improvements in technology double the amount of computing power a dollar will buy. As a result, a single bad public policy decision can wipe out an entire product generation. The continued success of the industry depends on its ability to bring the best products to worldwide markets quickly. The time-critical nature of our industry means that U.S. computer companies must have access to the most innovative technologies, products, and people in the other countries to produce the best products and continue to lead in the world market.