This chapter discusses several areas to consider as you begin your development process. These considerations cover three broad areas:

• worldwide compatibility--support for multiple script systems and multicultural sensitivity to your target audience
• universal access-provisions for people with disabilities to use your software by means of alternative input devices or output devices
• collaborative computing--support for people working in groups on local networks or people using computer s over remote networks

If you are aware of the factors that influence worldwide compatibility, universal access, and collaborative computing, you can plan ahead. By incorporating support for these capabilities from the beginning of your development process, you can save time, money, and development problems and end up with a product that is immediately useful to a wide range of people.