I think that the bigger IT companies are fearing the upstarts more and more. With the web delivering on the high user count apps the companies with the older business models are definately concerned. The cost of entry is low, the initial requirement for funds is low and the most of all, the flexibility levels of these companies could be described as "very bendy". What this means is that anyone entering the market right now, could be the next big thing a lot quicker than 10 years ago. There is also the chance that any one of these new companies could end up "changing the game" again..........
Come on the underdogs!
Maybe this is why there are so many great IT start ups around right now......?