• fluctuations and changes in currency exchange rates (see section below); • the impact of inflation;  • difficulty in repatriating foreign currency received in excess of the local currency requirements; and • current conditions in oil producing countries such as Venezuela, Nigeria, Libya, Iran and Iraq considering their potential impact on  the world markets. Historically, economic downturn and political events have resulted in lower demand for our services and products in certain markets.  The continuing instability in the Middle East and North Africa and the potential for activity from terrorist groups that the U.S. govern- ment has cautioned against have further heightened our exposure to international risks. The global economy is highly influenced by  public confidence in the geopolitical environment and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa continues to be highly fluid;  therefore, we expect to experience heightened international risks. Our results of operations may be significantly affected by foreign currency exchange rate risk. We are exposed to risks due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. By the nature of our business, we derive a substantial amount  of our revenue from our international operations, subjecting us to risks relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Our results of operations may be adversely affected because our efforts to comply with U.S. laws such as the  Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) could restrict our ability to do business in foreign markets relative to our  competitors who are not subject to U.S. law. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances,  strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. We may be subject to competitive disadvantages  to the extent that our competitors are able to secure business, licenses or other preferential treatment by making payments to govern- ment officials and others in positions of influence or through other methods that U.S. law and regulations prohibit us from using. Because we are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, we are subject to the regulations imposed by the FCPA,  which generally prohibits us and our intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining  or keeping business. In particular, we may be held liable for actions taken by our strategic or local partners even though our partners  are not subject to the FCPA. Any such violations could result in substantial civil and/or criminal penalties and might adversely affect our  business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, our ability to continue to work in these parts of the world discussed  above could be adversely affected if we were found to have violated certain U.S. laws, including the FCPA. If we are not able to develop or acquire new products or our products become technologically obsolete, our results  of operations may be adversely affected. The market for our services and products is characterized by changing technology and product introduction. As a result, our success is  dependent upon our ability to develop or acquire new services and products on a cost-effective basis and to introduce them into the  marketplace in a timely manner. While we intend to continue committing substantial financial resources and effort to the development  of new services and products, we may not be able to successfully differentiate our services and products from those of our competitors.  Our clients may not consider our proposed services and products to be of value to them; or if the proposed services and products are  of a competitive nature, our clients may not view them as superior to our competitors’ services and products. In addition, we may not  be able to adapt to evolving markets and technologies, develop new products, or achieve and maintain technological advantages. If we are unable to continue developing competitive products in a timely manner in response to changes in technology, our businesses  and operating results may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, continuing development of new products inherently carries  the risk of inventory obsolescence with respect to our older products.