The bar for value-added keeps moving

Volume 17, Number 6 • June 2000

The bar for value-added keeps moving
by Barbara Quint

Discusses ways to increase the value of traditional information services. Says that the aging population will increase the demand for e-commerce. Notes that technological changes, including broadband and the convergence of the Internet and television, will bring more users online. Describes how traditional search services have always played catch up with new technologies. Suggests ways for them to succeed in the new marketplace. Explains that since traditional information services are now owned by large publishers, they should adopt a policy of inventing content. Contends that this could help to keep information current and create educational background pieces, such as upgrading computer systems or understanding the current electronic music scene. Adds that distance learning will be another area of large growth.