Outsell Cites IDG, Thomas, Alibaba.com, CNET and Hearst Business Media as Pacesetters in Its New Market Analysis: Leaders in the B2B Print to Electronic Revenue Shift

Business Wire, March 10, 2009

BURLINGAME, Calif. & LONDON -- International Data Group (IDG), Thomas Publishing, Alibaba.com, CNET and Hearst Business Media rise to the top as e-media companies, according to a new report by Outsell, Inc. The analysis ranks business-to-business publishers and information providers on their success in growing electronic revenue over print—a key indicator of these companies’ potential for continued growth and even survival.

“B2B publishers have moved past the midway point in their transformation to a Web-based, user-centric, all-media anytime, workflow-efficient world,” said Chuck Richard, Vice President and Lead Analyst, Outsell, Inc. “Within five years, all the leading companies will draw at minimum 50 percent of their revenue from electronic sources, and 0 to 25 percent from print.”

Outsell’s “Market Analysis: Leaders in the B2B Print to Electronic Revenue Shift,” notes that this segment’s aggregate percentage of print revenue fell from 58.3% to 40% from 2003-2008, while electronic revenues climbed from 18% to 33.9%.

The report includes:

• A detailed table showing the top 44 B2B companies’ revenue mix from 2005-2007.
• Key trends underlying shifts in print and electronic revenues, as well as events, which remain an important growth driver.
• Analysis of methods specific companies use to aggressively grow electronic revenues.
• Essential actions to advance companies’ digital transformation, such as: New staffing models consistent with 50%-plus electronic revenue. Adding electronic revenue with marketing services, e-newsletters and webinars. Mandatory embrace of analytics-driven decision-making.

Companies that would like to purchase the report should go to http://www.outsellinc.com/store/products/802?refid=pr802. Journalists should contact Dawn Ringel, Warner Communications, 781-449-8456 or dawn@warnerpr.com.

ABOUT OUTSELL, INC.:

Outsell is the only research and advisory firm focused on advancing the publishing, information, and education industries. Our international team provides independent, fact-based analysis and actionable advice about competitors, markets, operational benchmarks, and best practices, so our clients thrive and grow in today's fast-changing digital and global environment. Outsell’s headquarters are in Burlingame, CA, US and London, UK. Visit us at www.outsellinc.com.