Cap Gemini, the computer services firm, yesterday unveiled a global internet consulting venture with Cisco Systems, lining itself up for a slice of the booming market in bringing companies online.

Cap Gemini said it aimed to speed up offerings to telecom service providers, suppliers of internet access sites and media players.

Alexandre Haeffner, head of the new venture, said it could have a turnover of more than £550m this year, given the acceleration in Europe towards networks using ISPs.

Cap Gemini will hold a 95.1% stake and Cisco, the world's largest maker of internet infrastructure, the remainder.

New players like Scient Corp, Organic, and USWeb/CKS Corp are carving out a share in the market for helping traditional companies on to the web, and existing players need to combine skills to catch up.

Haeffner said the new venture was designed to "help telecoms services providers and enterprise customers plan, design, implement and run secure and reliable ISP networks."