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Big vs. Small

The story of the struggle between the small competitor and the large competitor is as old as history. From David and Goliath to Netscape and Microsoft - the victories (and defeats) of the little guy provoke enduring interest. Sometimes the goal is the destruction of the opponent (see Collision at Cajamarca) other times - as in the case of a tiny virus and its much larger host - the end is an advantageous coexistence (see Virus).

What lessons can business strategists draw from these stories? What attributes (speed, mobility, invisibility?) and what tactics (isolation, leverage, coalition building?) can the small competitor use to defeat the ogre? And how does the large antagonist exploit its natural advantage to overcome its smaller opponents?