Pricing strategies for business information on CD-ROM

Rowley, Jennifer and Butcher, David (1996) Pricing strategies for business information on CD-ROM. Journal of Information Science, 22 (1). pp. 39-46. ISSN 1352-7460

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Abstract

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.