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Market report, 15 July 2001 -- Up To infotechnologies scrlIn order to determine the nature and dynamics of the Italian database industry, Up To infotechnologies undertook a
study to identify and characterize databases containing information predominantly about Italy. Italian databases are
important knowledge tools for business operators, business consultants, accountants, lawyers, scientists and anyone
else who needs comprehensive and reliable information about Italy. This study gives industry operators and database
users an overview of the market offer, its strengths and weaknesses, and some expected changes and trends. Up until now,
little attention has been given to the Italian database industry by the popular or specialistic press, and the present study is
the first of its kind.
The market availability of databases about Italy has been monitored since 1998 for the online "Guide to Italian Databases"
(http://www.uptoit.org). The present study, current as of May 2001, cites 166 Italian databases. Of these 66% are available
"online" (via Internet), 25% are distributed on CD-ROM or other removable computer media, 7% are available in both formats
and 2% are searchable with assistance of trained personnel. The products cover a wide range of subjects, but the most popular
topics are public records and legislation. About two-thirds of the products are available upon subscription, while the remainder
can be used at no cost. The vast majority of Italian databases is produced by Italian companies, and is in the Italian language.
However, a few products have been produced by companies headquartered in other countries. In addition, some products are
available in Italian and English, only English, or multiple languages. Substantially more Italian databases (99 of 166) have been
produced by commercial enterprises, although a significant amount has resulted from the efforts of the public administration
(46 databases), universities (11 products) or non-profit entities (10 products).
These and other data are illustrated throughout the following pages. In addition, the market offer of Italian databases is
compared with that available worldwide, according to M.E. Williams' article "State of the Database Industry". Finally,
a profile of the typical Italian database user is offered. The information in this study is offered in the belief that it is
interesting to database producers, distributors and users, and in the hope that awareness of the market's characteristics,
strengths and weaknesses will lead to an overall improvement of the quality and availability of Italian databases.
2001 © All rights reserved.
Full text of this report (file in pdf)
For further information, contact:
Up To info technologies scrl
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31053 Pieve di Soligo (TV) Italy
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info@uptoit.org
© Up To info technologies s.c.r.l. 2001. All rights reserved.