E-MARKETPLACE: ELANCE.

This article focuses on eLance Inc., an Internet-based startup. In contrast to Covisint, eLance has already learned some critical lessons about building an e-marketplace--especially one attempting to go beyond cost savings to create something entirely new. The self-styled global-services marketplace has found that building critical mass is a painstaking, never-ending process--one that involves flesh-and-blood relationships more than anyone ever expected. It is like eBay Inc., but instead of stamps and baseball cards, freelancers bid to do projects posted by companies or individuals needing everything from Web design and accounting to caricature drawing and songwriting. Some freelancers are even launching new careers on eLance.