Unicode is a type of encoding that proposes a unique number for every character.
Basically, computers handle numbers. They store letters and other characters representing each of them with a number. Before the invention of Unicode, there were hundreds of different codepages. Due to size constraints, however, none of them could fit enough characters.
In addition, these codepages were in conflict. Thus, two codepages could easily use the same number for two different characters, or use different numbers for the same character. Each computer had to support many different codepages; while each time data was transferred between different operating systems or codepages, the data were likely to deteriorate.
The Unicode proposes a unique number for every character, regardless of the operating system, regardless of the software, regardless of the language. Supported by many operating systems, all new Internet browsers, and many other products. The emergence of Unicode codepage, and the availability of tools that support it, is the most important recent development in software technology.
With Unicode, one single product or a single web site can communicate with different operating systems in different languages and countries without the need for reprogramming. It is thus possible to transfer data between many different systems without the risk of deterioration.
The Consortium Unicode is a charitable institution founded to develop, expand, and pass on the use of Unicode codepage that defines the representation of text in modern software products and standardizations. Many companies and organizations of the international computer and software industry are members of the Consortium Unicode.
http://www.unicode.org/