When Ecowas was formed in 1975, the majority of its members states had military heads of state - and a new coup leader was therefore warmly welcomed at meetings, without anybody batting an eyelid.
While most products are likely three to five years away, companies like Cisco, Whirlpool (nyse: WHR - news - people ) and home retailer Sears (nyse: S - news - people ) among others have formed an industry consortium called the Internet Home Alliance where all member companies can put their collective heads together.