Content area
Full Text
It's not your imagination - the number of e-commerce firms in Central Ohio has exploded in recent years.
Dozens of new Internet-based companies have sprung up with names like ECOutlook.com, SubmitOrder.com, fourthchannel, Exel Direct, Resolution EBS and others. They join such existing firms as CompuServe, Symix Systems and Sterling Commerce. Space is being readied for additional e-commerce companies at Rickenbacker Industrial Park and elsewhere.
A survey by the Industrial & Technology Council of Central Ohio shows there are more than 700 IT companies in Central Ohio. Many are small firms, but each has the potential to become a player in the hot e-commerce market.
The only factors that may slow growth are the lack of new high-tech workers to fill all the positions being created and Columbus' current lack of a reputation in the field.
"When we're out raising money, people always ask us, 'Why Columbus"' said Jonathan York, chairman of fourth channel, which develops e-commerce selling solutions for the mid-market.
That reputation is expected...