Geophysical Data Providers Offer Competition and Inspiration to Traditional STM Publishers

Authors: Dan Penny, Affiliate Analyst; Kate Worlock, Director, Market Intelligence Service

The Scientific, Technical & Medical (STM) publishing market is facing increasing competition from new players and from established companies which were previously not perceived as a competitive threat. Geophysical data providers do not see themselves as publishers, although they undertake publishing functions in the same way as traditional STM publishers, providing access to data sources online, usually for a subscription fee. As traditional STM publishers move increasingly towards providing access to data assets as well as journals, books, and monograph content, the overlap between these two groups of players becomes more obvious.

This report outlines the activities of the major players in this sector, explains their product offerings, and evaluates what lessons STM publishers can learn from them, as well as the extent to which they pose a competitive challenge. It provides:

- A definition of the geophysical data provider market and what these companies do;
- Identification of trends in the market;
- Revenue and growth data for five geophysical data provider companies for 2005-2006 (Outsell estimates), and in-depth profiles of the largest companies;
- Analysis of the impact and relevance of geophysical data providers on the larger STM market, including common challenges;
- Essential actions for publishers and information providers concerned about a competitive threat or interested in lessons arising from these companies’ activities.