Retrieval technology and the information explosion

Abstract

Among a range of important technical issues facing by publishers for profit, the most urgent would seem to be that, while CD-ROM represents an established, proven source of revenue, the vast majority of investment is currently going into Internet and Web development, where evidence to date shows that revenue is scarce. Considers the question of how to generate Web revenues with reference to the briefing paper, A model approach, produced by Optosof, the specialist in Internet and CD-ROM retrieval solutions. The paper looks at the relationship between publishers’ existing business models, and the technology issues affecting their ability to establish the Web as a profitable source of revenue in the short term. Suggests that a logical strategy might be to put core content on CD-ROM, while supplementing it with Internet based access to topical and real time content. The key benchmark as far as performance is concerned will be to have a product built around a fast search engine that offers simultaneous search of multiple databases stored on one or more servers and where retrieval of data allows instant analysis and easy view, copy, export and print. Concludes with useful advice on implementing a successful strategy based on these requirements.