Consulting Help Available Online

Companies on limited budgets can get consulting help over the Internet with Ernie, the self-service online consulting service from Ernst & Young LLP, New York. For a subscription fee, members gain access to a password-protected site, where they can submit questions with supporting background information. Ernst & Young "knowledge providers" answer questions within two business days. Subscribers can also search the Previously Asked Questions (PAQ) data base to find an answer to a similar question. Consulting categories include general management, sales/marketing, finance, product development, business-process improvement, etc. Software selection tools, market-trend information, and articles from selected business magazines are also available at the site.