The study, "Architects of the Internet Economy: Redesigning the Rules of Business," found that in just four years approximately 100 million people are logging onto the Web regularly. Because of this heavy usage, companies across all industries are trying to leverage the Net's popularity and connect with consumers and suppliers quickly and efficiently, resulting in the burgeoning Net economy.

Other key findings from the report include:

• U.S. businesses will spend over $200 billion on Internet technology deployment by 2002, comprising 20% of technology spending
• By the end of this year, tech spending will hit the $62 billion mark
• Non-tech Internet spending, including content, marketing and sales, is expected to grow to $300 billion in 2002
• In case study comparisons of certain application investments, first year return on investment (ROI) for Web applications equaled 245%, compared to leading-edge client/server applications at 95%
• Venture capital availabilty for investment in Internet companies will double this year, reaching $8 billion
• Total Internet commerce in the U.S. will soar to $250 billion in 2002.

The report also focused on Internet mavericks or "architects of the Internet economy," those visionaries that have had a profound effect on Internet business. Architects play several roles, the study said, such as establishing standards, redesigning business procedures, financing growth, and evangelizing the Internet. They also play pivotal positions in determining the decision making process, interacting among themselves and responding to a constantly shifting sector.

"Our research shows that these 'architects' are an aggressive, risk taking, optimistic bunch," said John Gantz, IDC senior vice president. "They have a common need to think strategically about the opportunity the Internet offers them, develop tactics for chasing that opportunity, and demand the attention of others who will help them in their pursuit."

IDC's Internet architects findings:

• 75% of the architects have direct control or major influence in their company's Net strategy
• Over 80% of these trailblazers buy products and services via the Internet on a monthly basis
• Surveyed Internet security and market research analysts project that more than 5,000 clients in the trade, business and press read their reports during the year
• Polled venture capitalists will spend an average of $20 million each on Net companies this year.

"If you didn't buy that Vail condo in the 1960s or hedged on the chance to purchase Microsoft stock when it first went public in 1986, you can come in off the ledge," said Gantz. "A new opportunity has emerged and it promises to be really big. But don't hesitate. Any delay in joining the Internet economy is lost opportunity--and the barriers to entry will go up every year."


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