Advice on a Consulting Offer

Hey all,

I was hoping anyone with some experience could share their thoughts on the following offer:

"Business consulting": the offer is with a firm that supplies a trading software platform (like Reuters or Bloomberg Terminals) that is specifically designed for hedge funds. The consulting group is based in NYC and deals with many well known funds in Stamford.

The offer seems great, and while there isn't any finance involved, I'd get the chance to network with alot of fund managers over the next few years. Looking at it from the opportunity:

1. Would this give me the potential for an exit into hedge funds, assuming I make strong contacts? Or will they not consider me, since it is a consulting position for software (a glorified IT specialist, only I'll have a team of IT guys. My job is to serve as a liasson between the manager and software itself)

2. Does anyone know anyone who has done something similar?

3. Any advice on what to ask the VP (who I'd be working with, the team is small) about the work going forward, besides the more typical questions I've already asked?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, guys.