From...

by Laura Rohde

(IDG) -- A full 75 percent of all e-business projects will fail because of poor planning and unrealistic expectations of new technology, according to a study released Thursday by research firm Gartner Group Inc.

Most companies implementing e-business strategies don't fully understand the new technologies behind e-business, the study said. At the same time, they become so dazzled by those technologies that they turn away from old-fashioned business planning and strategies.

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E-business no-nos

Gartner listed the following five pitfalls to avoid:

• First, use e-business as a tool. E-business is a means to an end, not the end itself.

• Second, don't be lulled into believing that e-business alone is a substitute for the rules of good project management. Make sure there is an understanding within the company of the technologies being used. Use a step-by-step approach, and keep track of a project's progress.

• Third, before implementing any new technology, make sure there is a sound business goal in doing so. Keep track of new technologies and new business goals, and update them accordingly. It would be a good idea to assign people within the company to deal specifically with e-business implementation and the replacing of outdated modes of e-business operations.

• Fourth, build e-business models that include plans for using technology to attract new customers and markets. Don't overlook one of the greatest advantages of e-business: It allows a company to plan ahead.

• And the last bit of advice: Keep track of the competition, and watch out for new competitors. Gartner's report says the key point is that a company always expect, prepare for and embrace change -- e-business or not.