A decade ago, a number of countries in Central Europe, Latin America, and Asia were expected to experience rapid economic growth. Today much attention is focused on opportunities in Brazil, Russia, India, and China

Give reasons for this shift using an example of a manufacturer.

These four countries are collectively known as BRIC. Microsoft's experience illustrates the nature of the market opportunity in these countries: In fiscal 2008, the software giant's collective revenues from BRIC grew 54%, compared with overall global revenue growth of 18%. Experts predict that the BRIC nations will be key players in global trade even as their track records on human rights, environmental protection, and other issues come under closer scrutiny by their trading partners. The BRIC government leaders will also come under pressure at home as their developing market economies create greater income disparity.