Dedham, Mass. —Web sales of automation products and systems—totaling $247 million in 1999—will grow to nearly $42 billion by the end of 2004, projects a new ARC Advisory Group study. "Web sales and the implementation of e-business strategies are causing a revolution in the automation business," says David Clayton, an ARC senior analyst and author of "Web Sales Outlook for Automation Products and Systems—Market Analysis and Forecast through 2004." "The historically conservative automation market's resistance to the Internet revolution finally gave way in 1999 as suppliers began embracing web sales initiatives in earnest." The study shows more automation suppliers are adopting e-business strategies, including web sales. Not only is the Internet becoming a popular distribution channel, it's also changing how suppliers interact with customers, business partners, and internal resources. The study found that most leading automation suppliers already offer procurement of MRO services over the Internet and have begun adding low-end automation product procurement to their web sites. For more information, visit www.arcweb.com or www.controleng.com/freeinfo .