Online Business Information to Grow at Slowest Pace Since 2004, According to the Latest Report From Simba Information

STAMFORD, CT, May 11 (MARKET WIRE) --
The global recession will lead to slower growth in online business
information markets in 2009 as a bunker mentality takes hold across many
of the vertical markets that drive demand for online services, according
to the latest report from Simba Information, a leading media industry
forecast and analysis firm.

"Business Information Markets 2008-2009" provides market sizing, strategic
and competitive analysis, forecasts and critical insight into the markets
for financial, credit, current awareness news and research, marketing,
legal, tax, public record and health information.

The business information market has been growing in the 5% to 7% range for
the past several years. However, total revenue growth in 2009 is projected
to come in at 2% to $45.9 billion, the lowest since these markets
collectively posted 1.8% growth in 2004.

While the projected growth for 2009 may be a disappointment compared to
prior years, the fact that the industry is still growing at a time when so
many businesses are faltering is a good sign. As the information
revolution advances, the emphasis has moved away from the mass delivery
of data and the technology used to accomplish that to finding meaning in
information. Business leaders, who have more information flying at them
than ever before, need to drill down to find the bits of knowledge that
will make a difference to their company's bottom line. This transition
creates opportunity for astute business information providers that can
develop added-value solutions.

Therefore, the long term outlook is positive. Simba Information projects
that the market will grow at a compound annual rate of 4.4% through 2012
reaching $53.5 billion.

The financial and marketing information segments account for 55.3% of the
total market for online business information. Both segments continue to
post healthy sales, with financial information recording $16 billion in
2008 and marketing $8.5 billion. However, Simba anticipates both segments
will feel the brunt of the economic slowdown. Growth in financial
information will slow to 1.3% in 2009 and marketing growth will slow to
2.4% in 2009.

The market for electronic health care information continues to be a bright
spot, growing at a compound annual rate of 10.1% between 2006 and 2008. In
health care, the use of PDAs is continuing to grow, and handhelds have
become a necessity for clinicians who need immediate access to research
and data.

The newly released Simba report provides an overview and financial outlook
for business information markets based on specific research and analysis
of the leading competitors and market performance in six industry
verticals.

About Simba Information:

Simba Information is widely recognized as the leading authority for market
intelligence in the media and publishing industry. Simba's extensive
information network delivers top quality, independent perspective on the
people, events and alliances shaping the media and information industry.
Simba publishes newsletters and research reports that provide key
decision-makers at more than 15,000 client companies around the globe with
timely news, analysis, exclusive statistics and proprietary industry
forecasts. For more information, please visit www.simbainformation.com or
call 888-29-SIMBA.

Media Contact:
Dan Strempel
203-325-8193 x103
dstrempel@simbainformation.com

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