Originally, DHL solved this problem by building over 50 different data centers in each of the major countries where it operated and coordinating these loosely with a common set of core database applications that were installed in each of the countries. The core appiications sat on top of a messaging and communications network so information could transfer from one country to another. The core applications included a master common shipment database that kept the tracking information, as well as e-mail programs, customer shipment, transit times, and billing details. The global databases allowed local countries' units to see only the data needed locally, and re- quired them to store only local data. This arrangement of com- mon global core systems that could be customized to local needs was adequate until traf fic volume expanded rapidly in the last decade as global trade pushed the existing system to the limits. With 500 decen- tralized data centers running supposedly common pro- grams, the risks that any one center or several centers would fail might jeopardize shipments in several coun- tries. Through painful experi- ence, DHL learned that main- taining 50 different IS centers to a single global standard was