Then the Internet came along and made them prophets. Their growth illustrates that content and processing needn't be owned to be useful. Web utilities and virtual enterprises are commonplace. They allow for highly leveraged, profitable businesses. Web services are robust, reliable, and secure.
More people use cyberspace as their commuter lane, working from wherever they choose.
Internet-based commerce remains largely untaxed and open. Emerging nations play an increasingly important role as distance diminishes as an obstacle to economic participation. Many businesses have moved from a product to a service focus, with virtual delivery over the Web. The initial inclination of most large firms is to provide most functions internally. Brokerage services thought they were immune just a few years ago.