In Search of Ideal Information Pricing.
01 January 1989
Common methods of charging for online information are reviewed. Information pricing falls into three areas: charges for the retrieval process, charges for the retrieved information, and telecommunications charges. Various charging algorithms used by the information industry today are reviewed. Because of technological advances, there has been a move away from de facto standard of connect hour pricing, but these have not been completely successful. Other pricing issues, including discount plans, credit card billing, two-tier pricing, and database leasing options are discussed. The RBOCs are rapidly developing information gateways and moving into the information area. Pricing implications for them and for the information industry are discussed.