Updating a Business Model.

• Position: Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Talk about contrast. The Knowledge Webb specializes in business strategy for companies needing to grow from the Industrial to Information Age. But Michael Webb, founder, introduces his company via the art in his Englewood office: an original painting of the boat where Knowledge Webb was conceived; a painting depicting the chaos of business; a life-sized statue of Star Wars' Jar Jar Rinks, courtesy of a happy client.

From the tour, Webb's goals emerge: Knowledge Webb (www.knowledgewebb.com) helps companies move from an industrial business model to one that maximizes its intellectual capital, or properly packages what it knows. It can be a tough proposition, particularly for older, established companies, and usually entails upgrading or installing new technology.

"Our company is built around what to do with intellectual capital," Webb said. "Knowing what you know is what many companies don't understand. Knowledge is power, but only if it's shared."

It's also key to staying competitive. Business models have "gone from an era where big eats small to fast eats slow," he noted.

In one case, Webb said, a manufacturer's costs were...