Aiming to round out its existing portfolio of services, the Internet consulting company launches a new application management and Web hosting unit dubbed Digital Growth Services.
Through the division, Viant will offer its clients services such as the daily management of their Web sites, application management, business management, Web site maintenance and infrastructure services.
Viant is not the only Web consulting company offering application hosting and Web management services. Competitors including Breakaway Solutions, MarchFirst and EdgeWing began offering similar services early on in an effort to foster long-term relationships with existing clients.
Boston-based Viant, whose core services include Web development, strategy, design and systems integration work, said it will provide its clients services via its partners Cognizant Technology Solutions and Loudcloud.
Like its rivals, Viant has been busy beefing up its offerings to find new ways to sustain long-term agreements with clients that had originally approached them about quickly getting an Internet presence.
According to Forrester Research, the U.S. market for Internet services is expected to grow from $19.6 billion this year to $64.8 billion by 2003. Leading research companies also predict growth for the application service provider (ASP) market and the Web hosting market.
Viant formed a partnership with application management company Cognizant earlier this year, and today announced an agreement with Loudcloud, the start-up created by Netscape Communications co-founder Marc Andreessen.
Loudcloud offers a combination of software and operations expertise to help companies improve their Web sites as they grow more complex.
Earlier this year, Loudcloud signed deals with a number of Web consulting companies including Organic, Proxicom, Lante, Zefer and AnswerThink. The consulting companies will also be able to offer equipment procurement and Web site management and maintenance services through Loudcloud.