RETAILING INFORMATION: THE CASE OF THE ONLINE SEARCH SERVICES

Commences with a review of the differences between consumer and business markets, and then proceeds to review the characteristics of the on‐line search services that have changed in order to facilitate the transition to end‐user services. Products have been significantly re‐designed to meet the needs of the end‐users. Interfaces have been improved, a range of different distribution channels are available, and products and services have been clustered. However, pricing strategies remain reminiscent of business markets. Online search services can not be regarded as retailers, but in offering products that are attractive to the end‐user are engaged in tactics that will push their products through the distribution chain.