Net appliances lead the players seeking a home run at show.
The show floor will display the latest in cutting-edge Internet business tools, including plenty of new Web sites, wireless devices, and Internet appliances. Wireless leaders Sprint, Verizon, AvantGo, Ericsson, and GoAmerica are hawking services alongside a raft of smaller players. Another overarching theme is the challenge of making a profit on the Internet in the wake of recent dot-com failures. Barry Schuler, president of the interactive services group at AOL, is delivering a keynote address Wednesday. He's also expected to discuss the company's pending merger with media giant Time Warner.