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How much will my online search cost? A review of the changing policies of the online hosts
Abstract
Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published [following peer-review] in Online Information Review, published by and copyright Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. The pricing tariffs adopted by the online hosts are full of hidden complexities, such that it is difficult to estimate in advance the cost of online searching. Potential elements of costs are: subscription charges and discount plans, connect time charges, display/print charges, telecommunications charges, session rates, charges for special facilities and charges for special services. The complexities of each of these elements are considered in relation to a number of online hosts. The review offers an insight into the estimation of the costs of online searching.
... are now sufficiently complex or inappropriate to discourage certain categories of user from relying on online searches [6]. ...
... The whole area of pricing strategies for electronic information is fraught with complexity. Rowley [6] considers the issues associated with budgeting for online searches and demonstrates that the pricing strategies for online information are so complex that it is very difficult for an information manager to predict the cost of each online search, or to make appropriate decisions with regard to annual budgets for online searching. ...
Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published [following peer-review] in Journal of Information Science, published by and copyright Sage Publications Ltd. Purchasers of business information on CD-ROM are often concerned to assess its cost-effectiveness. CD-ROM may offer a number of advantages, as compared with print and online access, but this may be at a price. The marketplace for business information on CD-ROM is characterised by a range of products that embraces a number of different kinds of databases, with differing added-value features and potential applications. Pricing strategies for electronic information are complex. CD-ROM pricing strategies have two distinct components: prices charged for single-user use and prices charged for network use. A number of different types of discounts and options are available. The article concludes with some case studies which assess the pricing strategies for specific CD-ROM products. The key players in the business information marketplace will continue to maintain their presence, but there is likely to be some realignment of product ranges, enhanced products and adjustments to pricing strategies before the market reaches greater stability.
A cost comparison of databases’ access was made for: Medline, Embase, Biosis and Pascal, available through several competitive vendors.l,2 All parameters involved in pricing tariffs of any online searching were studied.’ According to a specific database, search cost prices through four hosts (Datastar, Dialog, ESA, Questel) were analysed and compared.“ This comparison dealt with the connect price per hour and the printing price of citations. The objective of this study was (a) to make an objective cost saving choice and (b) automatisation of searching costs and control of the budget.
Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published [following peer-review] in Online Information Review, published by and copyright Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. Pricing strategies for subscriptions and licenses to CDROM are amazingly complex. In general the supplier seeks to achieve as high a revenue as possible from a given product. CDROM pricing strategies have two distinct aspects: prices charged for single user use and prices charged for network use. Examples are given of different pricing strategies available from different suppliers for both single user use and network use. Pricing strategies are currently very complex. Market forces and increased maturity of the market-place are likely to lead to simpler pricing strategies.
Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published [following peer-review] in Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, published by and copyright Sage Publications Ltd. Argues the central role of pricing strategy in determining the future characteristics of the information marketplace. Focuses on three of the four variables in the marketing of electronic databases: product, distribution and price. The fourth variable, promotion, is omitted. Discusses the product variable in terms of the nature of information as a product and its value, consumption, dynamics, life cycle and individuality. Considers the distribution variable in terms of three potential distribution channels: CD-ROMs; data networks; and facsimile transmission; noting that many producers are still involved in printed products. Discusses the price variable by considering five key approaches to pricing and charging: optimal pricing; pricing according to value; pricing for full cost recovery; marginal cost pricing; and free distribution of services. Analyses the pricing structures for online searching of external databases (subscription charges, discount plans, volume purchase plans, connect time charges, display and print charges, telecommunications charges, session rates, charges for special commands, and charges for special services such as SDI, statistical reports and end-user services). Presents a similar analysis for CD-ROM databases. Concludes that the complex and chaotic information marketplace may be alleviated by standardization in pricing structures for products such as CD-ROMs and research which seeks to link the factors that influence pricing structures to a more closely defined model.
Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published [following peer-review] in Library Review, published by and copyright Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. Considers a number of aspects of pricing, including the classical relationship between price and supply and demand, pricing objectives, factors affecting pricing decisions and aspects of pricing policy and pricing methods. Explores the relevance of these concepts in the information marketplace. The central role that price plays in regulating a marketplace makes an understanding of pricing essential.
Full-text of this article is not available in this e-prints service. This article was originally published [following peer-review] in Online and CD-ROM Review, published by and copyright BUBL Archive Journals. Commences with a review of the differences between consumer and business markets, and then proceeds to review the characteristics of the online search services that have changed in order to facilitate the transition to end-user services. Products have been significantly re-designed to meet the needs of the end-users. Interfaces have been improved, a range of different distribution channels are available, and products and services have been clustered. However, pricing strategies remain reminiscent of business markets. Online search services can not be regarded as retailers, but in offering products that are attractive to the end-user are engaged in tactics that will push their products through the distribution chain.
Pricing is usually oriented to one or a few users per user agreement. Current pricing structures often make volume use by an organization, an unreasonably high cost process and a run-away expense item. Many end-users can be found when a total marketing approach alerts the management of users to the resulting potential benefits of innovation, productivity, quality and professional awareness. Pricing then can be adjusted for volume sale, thus lowering the cost of information to individual users. The true value of information to an organization becomes more apparent and the use of information services becomes a routine part of doing business with more reasonable costs.
This overview is driven by a search for workable applications of pricing strategies across the entire electronic information spectrum. The underlying assumptions are that the industry is increasingly global in nature, propelled by the use of multiple media to multiple niche markets with multiple products. Since information distributors strive to carve unique markets, the idea is to beam information-based products to as many markets, and thus vendors, as have need for comprehensive data. One-stop shopping is the key. Ten rules on pricing strategies are presented.