The constant evolution of business sources: Entrepreneurial spirit in the midst of consolidation

Abstract

An overview of the history and evolution of business information, including a typology of players, sources, and information delivery. News aggregators bringing together regional sources, databases publishers packaging information available on individual websites and from filings, and companies creating electronic repositories of paper and other dispersed documents undoubtedly resulted in larger entities. But while stronger providers acquired smaller niche players and startups, these acquisitions encouraged new players. Vested former executives who cashed out started new niche companies or joined smaller companies. Boosting this bubbling up of new players are the regulators, who are supporting middle-tiered players in their growth as competitors. The prediction is that while high-end aggregators will continue to sell value-add products with all available content for high prices and will pay to acquire content and technology, smaller companies will continue to arise in order to grow and compete or sell to the big guys. And individual sources will still be available, and usually easier to find and retrieve.