Italian Databases 2002 -- Market Research Report

Market analysis, 31 March 2003 -- Up To infotechnologies scrl

Italian Databases 2002: Numerical evaluation and trend analysis

Executive summary

In order to determine the nature and dynamics of the Italian database industry, Up To infotechnologies has been monitoring the market availability of Italian databases since 1998 for the online Guide to Italian Databases (http://www.uptoit.org/eng/monitor/monitor.htm). "Italian databases" contain information predominantly or entirely about Italy, and thus are important knowledge tools for business operators, business consultants, accountants, lawyers, scientists and anyone else who needs comprehensive and reliable information about Italy. The goal of this ongoing study is to give industry operators and database users an overview of the market offer, its strengths, weaknesses, and trends.

This reports updates the baseline market information published by Up To infotechnologies in May 2001. Data in the present report are current as of December 2002 and refer to 220 Italian databases. Of these 70% are available online, 12% are distributed on portable computer media, 15% are available in both formats and 2% are searched with assistance of trained personnel. The products cover a wide range of subjects, but the most popular topics are journalism 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 databases have been produced by companies headquartered in other countries. In addition, some products are available in English, German, or multiple languages. Of all the products reviewed, 64% have been produced by commercial enterprises, 28% by the public administration, 5% by the nonprofit sector and 3% by university-affiliated groups.

These data are complemented by an analysis of the trends and changes observed since the May 2001 survey of databases. 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.

2003 © Up To infotechnologies scrl

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