In the physical world, virtually every major business decision and process is affected by geographic considerations. What is the local language and currency? Where is the transaction occurring and does this fit the prior patterns of behavior? What geographically-based regulations apply? Is this product or broadcast licensed in this geography? The same is true on the Internet, once considered a borderless medium. Online businesses ranging from e-retailers to broadcasters to online banks today depend on accurate geographic data about their Web visitors to prevent fraud, comply with regulations, deliver digital content, execute local search and advertising strategies and protect themselves from online attack
