Who says the barter system is dead? Not International Monetary Systems (IMS). IMS runs one of the world's largest trade exchanges, or barter networks, allowing businesses and professionals to convert excess inventory into goods and services. Its IMS Barter Network serves approximately 17,000 clients in major markets in the US and Canada. Users swap excess goods or services electronically with trade dollars, IMS' electronic currency. Founded in 1985, the company has expanded by acquiring other trade exchanges.