E-technology transformation services address several major issues that companies face in evolving conventional business processes and models into Internet initiatives, says Tony Delima, director of the new services. These issues, he says, include identifying traditional business processes to adapt to E-business, identifying "E-channel" partners or trading agents, developing a new business or company identity on the Web, and making the necessary technology changes to support the E-business strategy.

AnswerThink's new services provide models and best practices for companies to achieve a successful E-business strategy. The models include templates for how a company's IT organization, IT processes, management practices, and computing architectures need to change to support the E-business initiatives.

AnswerThink is aiming its new services at companies that have already been aggressive in adopting E-business models such as online service providers, technology manu- facturers, and financial services firms. The consulting engagements last from six to 14 months. Pricing for the E-technology transformation services starts at about $200,000.

Among AnswerThink's early customers for its E-technology transformation services is Educational Testing Services, which develops and administers the SAT exam for college admission. AnswerThink helped the Princeton, N.J., company streamline, automate, and improve its IT help-desk processes using the Internet. Says Pete Smith, executive director of IS and technology at Educational Testing, "What's key is how rapidly AnswerThink was able to assess the processes involved in reengineering our help desk."