The exploding value and utility of the web endeavor, originally conceived of as an ancillary function, is modifying the company's perception of itself. Although the transformation is difficult to manage, it's an enviable position. By investing in the web enterprise, 1st Communications is allowing the market to drive its evolution. It's a model worth considering. Hype is easy.
Delivery is hard.
Times are changing. Differentiation is muddled by warp speed development. Part of it is that real innovation happens slowly. Part of it is that it's incredibly easy to copy a good idea in the web era. At least, it's easy to claim to have copied a good idea.