Do you really have to pay? Balancing cost and quality in information for business

Abstract

This article considers the growing availability and importance of free information, balanced against the risks its use can pose. Information professionals most value content that is unique, whether paid-for or free. Management perceptions about the ubiquity of free information could threaten both information managers and content vendors. Intermediaries can add value by melding vendor with donor portfolio management. What is the impact of vendors’ practice of moving to software-based workflow solutions for end-users, based on their raw content? The article also warns vendors against attempting to sidestep intermediaries, who will increasingly seek out content that is both free and unique.