What's more, many web integrators are too focused on speed to market, prone to product mismatches and cost overruns, and remiss in partnering with others when help is needed, the study said. Forrester predicts a wave of consolidation as these firms try to shore up their weaknesses. High-profile failures magnify gloom Harley Manning, a Forrester analyst, said the market is still in its infancy and may be moving too fast for its own good. But web services firms say their industry's speedy rise has attracted a lot of attention, magnifying any problems that exist. Ebusinesses do not fail any more frequently than any other companies in business.
Many analysts also note that customers often have unrealistic expectations of their web integrator.
Customers' dreams can become nightmares when VARs under-deliver, the worst cases prompting legal battles. Even strong integrators can falter. Web shops are also finding themselves in projects where their skills may not be the best fit. But failed ebusiness relationships create openings for specialised internet services firms. As some web integrators stumble, others step in to rescue customers in digital distress.