Virtual business models.

• Position: Brief Article

Company offers advice, resource material on IT strategies

Thunder Bay's Global RnD is on a mission, and Renault Franklin and Dean Hayes are the co-pilots.

The pair launched their technology consulting firm Global RnD in June 2000 and are helping to turn the business world into a virtual business world.

"RnD stands for research and distribution of data or information," Franklin says. "We provide unbiased recommendations on hardware, software and business solutions."

But RnD does more than just offer advice. Franklin and Hayes, the company's principals, say they bridge the gap between the supply and demand of information technology (IT)resources through virtual business projects.

They intend to become an invaluable resource to businesses and individuals alike.

From computer networking, research and video-conferencing to e-commerce solutions, Web-based systems and database management, RnD offers business solutions without disrupting the client's business.

"We don't have to be on-site (to do the work)," Franklin says. "We don't have to have a presence. As long as we're given administration rights" all of the work can be done from off-site.

Franklin says...