New technologies can have a significant impact on how companies conduct their business, and can affect the ability of small firms to compete with larger firms in beneficial or negative ways, depending upon the technology and the industry.
For the U.S. Small Business Administration, IIC, Inc. conducted an extensive study of the impacts of electronic data interchange (EDI) technology on small business. The firm first developed a typology of EDI and developed an analytical framework for assessing the effects of EDI. The study involved extensive surveys and interviews with sample industries (including consumer mortgage, health care, retail, federal procurement) and highlighted areas of innovative use of EDI by small firms. IIC, Inc. chronicled how EDI was having differential impacts on large and small organizations' ability to compete and do business. The final report recommended various ways in which the U.S. Small Business Administration may facilitate the successful adoption of EDI technology by small firms so that they may better compete with large users of EDI.

The successful implementation of a software application by a firm depends upon the suitability of the product for that firm and industry, as well as training of all end users in the functioning of the application.
IIC, Inc. has provided training to numerous law firms throughout the country in litigation support, imaging, deposition coding, and database management. We have developed databases for use in litigation or document management, and have provided training documentation and courses for a variety of lawyers, paralegals, and support personnel. We have conducted courses for legal employees in the design and use of coding systems for various types of litigation.

For a manufacturer of computers and imaging systems, IIC, Inc. developed a methodology for performing cost justification analyses of litigation support technologies in the legal environment.
The model quantified the benefits to be derived from an automated litigation support and imaging systems by a law firm and weighed them against the costs of acquiring and implementing these systems. IIC, Inc. produced a manual on performing cost justification studies for the manufacturer and assisted sales personnel with performing cost justification analyses for numerous law firms considering imaging systems.

IIC, Inc. assisted a major computer manufacturer with developing and implementing a strategic plan for marketing its computer technology to law firms and other legal entities.
This assignment required the development of an overall understanding of the legal marketplace and the demand for automated litigation support equipment, as well as planning a strategy to position the company's products.

For small service firms, the costs of acquiring and implementing new technologies can be daunting, unless they can pass these costs to their clients.
For a law firm that had recently acquired an automated litigation support and imaging system, IIC, Inc. recommended a rationale and developed a set of rates for charging the firm's clients for some of the benefits received from the firm's use of the imaging system. In this way, the firm was able to recover some of the costs of installing the system and reducing billable hours while the firm's clients were able to benefit from efficient delivery of high-quality legal services.