As announced on 22 March 2000, EarthPort anticipated such demand would arise in the longer term as a result of its initial pursuit of western European markets.
EarthPort's Asian plans mirror the company's current goal for Western Europe, which is to build a strong market position within the next two to three years as a leading electronic media payment and intermediary system.
To achieve this goal, EarthPort will seek the participation in the payment system by organisations with large customer and merchant bases such as major banks, wireless telecommunications operators and manufacturers, ISPs and digital TV platform providers. Appropriate intermediary functionality will also be made available through partnerships and licensing to help ensure that EarthPort becomes a strong on-line retail intermediary. As previously announced, this will include generic and customised content, site search processes, product and price comparison, fulfilment execution control and merchant control.