It is projected that HIV/AIDS will cause a decline in South African GDP of up to 6% annually over the next 10 years. As the pandemic spreads, companies are stepping in to try and stem the tide.

Biotechnology is a word that immediately conjures up images reminiscent of science fiction and although the truth is somewhat more mundane, it is still a subject that has almost as many facets as a diamond, and could be as valuable to the future economy.

Basel II can be seen as the banking sector`s Y2K as it is an immense project with global scope, significant technology implications and a strict deadline. So how do South African banks plan to meet the challenge?

Computing was never meant to be difficult or worrisome. Utility computing proposes customers forget all about the infrastructure, and instead pay only for its use, as they do with electricity. But Nirvana is some way off.

Many industry pundits say mobile technology is "the next big thing" and SA businesses appear to be getting ready to catch the wireless wave. The "trick", as always, will be to choose the right technology for the task.

The channel faces increasing vendor disintermediation, a continuing credit squeeze, customer manipulation and value dilution from other resellers, while being expected to deliver clear and immediate value.

Now marketers can track, profile and reach any consumer, any time, anywhere. Digital marketing is everywhere, but not on the scale you`d expect.

Business process outsourcing (BPO) is gaining ground in SA as outsourcing service providers look for new revenue streams and corporates continue to cut costs.

Over-hyped, misunderstood and misrepresented, Web services are nevertheless starting to gain ground. But until many of the key standards are formalised, Web services are destined to remain behind the firewall and within trusted relationships.

A recent ITWeb executive forum revealed that many South African corporate management teams are taking a serious look at IT governance initiatives, not only because of the potential legal implications of unmanaged risk but because it makes sound business sense.

Reports of the demise of online shopping have - to paraphrase Mark Twain - been greatly exaggerated. Retailers that remain in this sector are generally optimistic of mega-sales during the coming festive season.

The old roadmap to corporate success has changed forever. What does it take for the new millennium business leader to get ahead?

Global consulting groups have developed different models as they respond to the challenge of separation from auditing practices. SA has not been unaffected, with local consulting firms also changing the way they do business.