iXL Announces Layoffs as Consulting Business Slows Down

The success of iXL Enterprises(IIXL Quote), like other Web consultants, has depended heavily on business from dot-com firms. Even if Internet companies didn't solicit the consultants' services, big global corporations, feeling the competitive pressure from dot-coms, surely would.

The Atlanta-based company appeals to those fears on its own Web site. "Blink. A dot-com company is after your market," a message on the site reads. "Click. Your customers are buying online right now. Bang! The starting gun for transforming your business has been fired."

Decision-makers beyond the Internet world are listening, but they don't hear any gunfire. As Internet companies dry up, burn through cash and scale back their electronic-commerce endeavors, the world's largest companies are following suit. ...