I usually review databases--ones on the professional online services or offered directly from the producers. However, in recognition of the change in name of this publication, from DATABASE to EContent, this time I am looking at a metasite onthe Web of electronic content for business researchers. Although not obvious to the first-time visitor, CorporateInformation (http://www.corporateinformation.com) is both a metasite and a search engine. It focuses on providing access to Web-based information on companies throughout the world, and is well-designed and well-annotated. In fact, it's almost frighteningly useful, particularly given its deceptively unsophisticated Web design. Clearly, all the energy goes into content, not a glitzy presentation. Built and maintained by George Regnery ofthe Winthrop Corp., it started out as a collection of sites for his own convenience, but has grown to become a much more substantial site which he now maintains through his employer. So, what do you get at CorporateInformation? For starters, it includes links to sources of company information from 127 countries. There are separate pages for about half the countries; these country-specific pages have additional links to information such as the business environment (the Invest in Sweden Agency), industry sector-specific sites (Kazakstan medical companies), online brokerages, and press release sites. They usually also include basic information on the country, with links to the currency exchange rate, U.S. Department of State Country Commercial Guides, and the CIA World Factbook. The U.S. page also includes 68 industry-specific pages. Under the Apparel category, for example, are links to the Footwear News Directory, Large Sport Licensees, even the Hoover's snapshot of the apparel industry. The annotations are thoughtful and informative.
展开▼
