Free Industry Information on the Internet
Free Industry Information on the Internet
The Internet offers many sources of free industry information. Things to remember:
- Make sure you can trust the source (see Truth, Lies & the Internet by C|Net)
- Is the information current? (check date; use View/Page Info or File/Properties)
- Have a research strategy or plan (know the steps & have a "shopping list"). A research strategy is important to avoid wasting time, or collecting the same information, or similar information from many sources while still missing some information that you really need.
Start with an Industry Profile
These narratives define the industry and often offer even more.
- Career Guide to Industries - U.S. Dept. of Labor
- Industry Group Snapshots - Hoover's Online (see: Industry Lowdown)
- Industry Research - US Business Reporter
Gather Industry Figures for a Statistical Picture
Industry figures may include production levels, employment, exports, etc.
- Foreign Trade Highlights - U.S. International Trade Administration
- Outlook Trends Tables - U.S. International Trade Administration
Monitor News and Trends
Industry developments as reported in wire stories and company press releases.
- News > Industries - Quote.com
- Industries News - WSRN.com
- Industries - Big Charts (Wall Street industry snapshot)
Identify the Key Players or Competitors
Who are the leading companies in this industry?
- Hoover's Industries
- Sectors: Company Names - WSRN.com
Pursue Additional Pictures - Links
Links to industry associations, trade magazines, and industry portals.
- Competia Express
- Industry Central
- Information By Industry - OTT
- Industry Information - ITA
- Industry Program - ITA
KEY BUSINESS PORTALS
Selected business research resources on the Internet
- BEOnline - from the Library of Congress
- CEO Express
- Infomanage - Investments
- Librarian's Index to the Internet - Business
Provided by Rosenfeld Library. Page last modified January 23, 2006.
Need help? Consult a Business Research Librarian.