Established players such as IBM Global Services, EDS and Computer Sciences have been steadily moving from traditional computer outsourcing and toward e-commerce business. Web consultants have a long runway in front of them. Despite the growth, analysts say such companies are no matches for the nimble Internet consulting firms that continue to land more deals than their behemoth counterparts. Limited to online work, smaller firms don't have the same challenges as larger companies that manage other elements of the industry, such as hardware or network management. Because of this, the larger companies say less of their Internet work adds to overall revenues growth.
Older companies have the advantage of being able to retain top talent more easily.
Robertson Stephen's Birer said that despite the possible threat from big companies as they boost their Web services, customers are still leaning toward smaller firms. Clients see them as the leaders. Inc. All rights reserved.