Customer considerations for database vendors

A definition of the database is given. The author goes on to discuss his own company's (Financial Times newspaper) involvement in the industry. He looks at the political climate, markets and legal issues. The importance of the newspaper as a source and the use of database in this role are discussed: Various aspects of the use of online databases and electronic publishing by newspaper companies are outlined, e.g., competitive advantage, price and value role of the information professional and quality assurance. The use of new media in newspapers is also discussed, including CD-ROM variants, fax and broadcast.