Issues in multiple use and network pricing for CDROMs

In order to achieve an appropriate level of revenue, CDROM publishers need to attempt to control access to their databases when they are used in a networked environment. This has led to the creation of interestingly complex pricing strategies for the networked use of CDROM. This article first identifies some of the key issues for pricing of CDROM and then focuses on the issue of network pricing, using as case studies the network pricing strategies for BIOSIS, SilverPlatter, Dialog OnDisc and Reedbase. It is not clear whether the issue of appropriate pricing strategies for CDROM will ultimately be viewed as so intractable that suppliers will seek alternative distribution options.