| Sources of Business Information
Content providers get data from a
variety of sources. These include primary research via surveys and phone
interviews, company websites and annual reports. The quality of information
varies from source to source, based on source characteristics.
Regulatory filings provide a broad spectrum of data about public companies. The information
is accurate and current as of the last filing date. Because filing requirements
vary by country, the data can reflect a snapshot taken from 45 days in the past
to over a year ago.
News releases provide updates and ‘signal changes’ in company status. Changes in
personnel, partnerships or financial performance may or may not be announced publicly.
All companies will announce good news more often than bad, and private companies
often remain silent.
Analyst reports provide subjective analysis and financial information from consulting
and brokerage firms. These expert opinions are proprietary and fee-based. They
are very up-to-date and one of the few information sources that do not
originate from the company itself.
Business reports from analyst services evaluate information on subjects such as:
- Companies
- Industry trends
- Global markets and sectors
- Key players
- IT investments
- Economic performance
While often
costly, the quantity of information is usually extensive, along with the number
of sources producing it. They can lag somewhat because of the time it takes to
compile the report.
Blending Multiple Sources
The key to
obtaining the best quality content is to blend data from several sources. This
is how a business information service, like OneSource, adds value. Ranked first
in its industry, OneSource selects premier
content providers, collects all relevant information, and blends and normalizes
many data streams into one consistent, easily consumable asset.
|