THE SELECTION OF ONLINE DATABASES FOR UK COMPANY INFORMATION

Describes the development of an expert system, designed to assist novice and end user online searchers to identify which databases to use for particular types of company information. The Company Information Database Adviser (CIDA) assists the selection of online databases for a range of types of UK company information: basic company details; company financial information; company ownership and shareholdings; company news; mergers and acquisitions details; market information; and detailed company profiles. Although CIDA is designed to locate information about UK companies, the databases it recommends are both national and international. Presents the database selection criteria identified during the project for 5 of the original CIDA company information categories. Outlines the specific functions for which CIDA was designed: end uses of company information; checking company details; company screening; financial assessment; competitive intelligence; company accounts and financial datasheets; ownership and shareholdings; company news; mergers and acquisitions. Whilst not providing an exhaustive survey of the company information scene, the CIDA project has highlighted some of the significant factors influencing choice of databases for certain types of company information.