First, it's best not to judge all independent contractors by one experience... it shows lack of professional maturity. If a finger is pointed here, it is with weak management sponsorship and oversight of the contractor. Then whoever negotiated the"3-year contract" should have included an "out clause" for this situation. Since e-biz is very new there's very experience by consultants... yes even the Big 4; not to mention the e-biz company itself and their e-suppliers. Your company should hirea "change management" consultant and a "process management" consultant, plus send 1-2 key people (rising stars) to a formal course in project management. Apparently there's weakeness in your company's infrastruction itself.