The consumer-products megamarketplace evolved from concept to commitment in less than two weeks, a turnaround that's remarkable because it's so fast-and so common in the rush to E-business.

"I've been doing consulting for 14 years, and it's always been fast-paced," says Tig Gilliam, the partner in charge of PricewaterhouseCoopers' consumer packaged-goods industry sector. "But it's gotten faster. The pace is incredible-and it needs to be."

The need for speed is causing businesses in all industries to turn to professional-services organizations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers for help. The firm estimates its E-business-related services revenue will grow 57% during its fiscal year, to $3.5 billion. To keep up, PricewaterhouseCoopers expects to have 14,000 consultants trained in E-business by year's end, up from 5,000 at the end of last year.

Nick Riso, VP of E-business at Nestlé USA Inc. in Glendale, Calif., which will participate in the

E-marketplace, says PricewaterhouseCoopers helped bring the consumer-products companies together and will continue to be involved in the effort for at least another four to six weeks. At Nestlé, he adds, "We're still ramping up on the use of technology consulting partners. That will continue to grow."