An IT Buddy Act

Iselin computer data-management firm Vedicsoft doesn't have a CEO. It was founded and is run by two high school friends who finish each other's sentences. Each is a vice president, so it's clear who's in charge: both of them.

So far, the system works. Founded in 1999 on less than $ 1,000 by Bhat Dittakavi and Venkat Yerubandi, the company made it through the IT crash and has grown to 110 employees. In keeping with the friendship theme, "we brought our friends as our employees, brought our colleagues or consultants we know," says Dittakavi, 30. "All our employees have been referred to us by other employees," adds Yerubandi, 31.

This cooperative style goes over with clients. In 2000, "we touched $1.45 million" in revenue, says Yerubandi. Last year, sales totaled $7 million and this year, says Dittakavi, "We're looking for double digits." Customers have included AT&T, Verizon, New York Life and Novartis.