The Netherlands is fast emerging as one of the most "wired" countries in the world, a dynamic new force in electronic commerce, communications and outsourcing.
More than a decade of investment in high-speed Internet, cable and digital communication systems and the rapid adoption of state-of-the-art computer and mobile phone technology has created an ideal base for companies seeking to take advantage of the modern technology.
Already home to many successful international enterprises, the Netherlands has become a magnet for hardware and software support companies and for those seeking to use new technology to expand, streamline or improve the competitiveness of their businesses.
What's more, the country's competitive tax regime, excellent labour relations, record, highly skilled workforce and wealth of high-quality, Internet-ready business accommodation, make it an increasingly attractive solution for those seeking a key European base.
High Speed broadband Internet
Information is the fuel of our knowledge-based society.
Broadband technology plays an essential role in this - faster and better Internet access improves productivity and has a positive effect on employment, living standards and social cohesion. Western European countries are among the top performers in the world for broadband penetration. The Netherlands heads this list in with a take-up of 19%, and comes second only to Korea worldwide.
Broadband and grid technology is an area where the Netherlands has a lot of expertise.
Our R&D companies, IT knowledge and infrastructure place the Netherlands in the top echelon of wired countries in the world. For example, many professional organisations in the Dutch health care sector are already using broadband and grid technology to link patient data in groups of hospitals with medical expertise in universities.
The Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) is one of the world's leading IP exchanges and one of Europe's main computer and networking services centres, SARA, is also located in Amsterdam.
E- Readiness Ranking
(Source: Economist Intelligence Unit, 2003)
The IT business location
The Netherlands has emerged as a prime location on the European continent for pan-European operations in the field of IT. Concepts like just-in-time delivery and built-to-order - now common in Dutch industry - are crucial for success in the assembly and distribution of continually changing IT products.
Furthermore, a recently liberalised telecommunications network and a brand-new advanced digital infrastructure, which are key to all types of internet-related services, are additional feathers in the cap of the Netherlands, from the point of view of IT investors. The advantage of locating to the Netherlands have long been recognised by foreign businesses, including many well-established multinationals.