Definition:
An infomediary is an online business that acts as an intermediary in the vast digital world, managing the excess of information available on the Internet. Its main function is to collect, analyze, filter and organize large volumes of data from various sources. The goal of an infomediary is to present this information in a useful, relevant and neutral way to users.
These businesses tend to specialize in specific markets, offering exclusive and accurate data on specific sectors. Infomediaries are essential in helping users find the information they need efficiently, without the bias that might be introduced in other forms of data presentation. Infomediaries’ revenues are generated primarily through the sale of advertising space and commissions for brokering successful transactions.
This sector includes a wide range of companies, from those that publish guides and directories to those that conduct market research or generate tourism, geographic and cadastral information.
Types of Infomediaries
- Consumer infomediaries: These infomediaries focus on facilitating the buying process for consumers by providing detailed and comparative information on products, brands and services. They may include user reviews, ratings and feature analysis, which help consumers make informed decisions. Examples of this type of infomediaries include price comparison websites and product review platforms.
- Infomediaries for businesses and enterprises: They provide companies with access to detailed data on market trends, consumer behavior and competitive analysis. The information provided helps companies identify business opportunities, optimize marketing strategies and improve product development. This type of infomediaries can include market data analysis platforms and competitive intelligence services.
- Sector infomediaries: Some infomediaries specialize in specific sectors, such as health, education or finance. They provide specialized and relevant information for industry professionals, helping to improve decision making and foster innovation within the sector.
- Public data infomediaries: These infomediaries focus on the collection and distribution of public data, such as government statistics, geographic information or cadastral data. They facilitate access to data that can be used for research, urban planning and policy development.
The Impact of the Infomediary on the digital economy and “Open Data”.
The reuse of public information, known as “open data”, is regulated by law and has become a key component of the infomediaries sector. The European Union forecast estimates that the volume of business based on public data could reach an economic development of 40 billion euros per year. The digital information business “open data” is emerging as a growing economy for several reasons:
- Technological advances in ICTs: Information and communication technologies have advanced significantly, enabling better data collection, processing and analysis. This has facilitated the creation of new data-driven applications and services, driving innovation and efficiency in various sectors.
- Demand for reliable information: Companies and organizations face a growing need for accurate and verifiable information to manage risky operations and make strategic decisions. Infomediaries play an important role in providing reliable data that can be used to assess risks, develop market strategies and improve business management.
- Promoting transparency and innovation: Access to open data fosters transparency in government and business, allowing citizens and entrepreneurs to develop new solutions and services that benefit society at large. This contributes to a more dynamic and collaborative ecosystem, where information becomes a valuable resource for economic and social development.