Although most companies evaluate the anticipated value of electronic commerce initiatives in some way before approving them, many companies see these projects as absolutely necessary investments. Thus, businesses might not subject these initiatives to the same close examination and rigid requirements as other capital projects. These companies fear being left behind as competitors stake their claims in the online marketspace. The value of early positioning in a new market is so great that many companies are willing to invest large amounts of amounts of money with few near-term profit prospects.