Internet Leaders Vie To Remain Strong Amidst Downturn

The recession is creating a golden opportunity for some Internet industry leaders to solidify and expand their already-dominant positions. Companies like search giant Google, Web-based movie service Netflix, Internet retailer Amazon.com and online jeweler Blue Nile can take advantage of the downturn to reinforce customer relationships, develop new products and services, and take share from weaker competitors that are simply trying to survive. But to come out of the recession stronger, these companies will need to continue investing in new technologies and capacity while keeping an ever tighter lid on costs. They will also have to negotiate market shifts that will inevitably occur as the economy goes through one of its worst recessions since the Great Depression.