Outsell's Ethics & Integrity Policy
At Outsell, independence and objectivity are at the core of our business and our values. Our business is based on the confidence our clients and markets place in us.
Our Ethics and Integrity Policy consists of five main principles:
- Fairness and Objectivity. We cover all publishers and information providers in the information industry regardless of client status. Our opinions and recommendations are based on clearly articulated hypotheses and defensible arguments, and fact-based analysis. We provide equal opportunity for suppliers to compete for our business. We have consistent, published pricing; all commercial clients invest the same amount for the same services and use privileges.
- Fact-Based Analysis & Research Quality. Our research and conclusions are always supported by appropriate methodologies that we willingly share with clients. Outsell’s primary research is based on the best methods and technologies available in the marketplace. We do not outsource research design or methodology development, and we oversee all fielding of our research. We derive our metrics from fact-based, independent research, and market input. We validate and publish key market metrics for publishers and information providers, including revenue and market share, at least annually. Reported corrections are (re)validated within one week and updated in our electronic databases immediately thereafter. Written publications use our most recent data at the time of publication and are not automatically reissued. Further, our analysis of publishers and providers and their position in the marketplace is based on our synthesized research and analysis and not on statements from any one firm.
- Independence. We serve primarily publishers and information providers. We also serve select buyers of information services and other firms serving the industry. We track and analyze all major aspects of publishers’ and providers’ competitive and market landscape; this coupled with our work with industry suppliers and our methodologies gives us unbiased and holistic views of the entire industry landscape. We do not act as sales agents or represent parties in negotiations. We do not use others’ intellectual property without proper licensing, permission, and attribution.
- Confidentiality and Intention. All of our dealings with clients are covered by confidentiality agreements. We do not discuss the identities of our clients in or outside client firms without permission. We do not use analysis gained through our custom research projects for purposes other than meeting the explicit goals of the client commissioning the research. When we communicate with individuals and clients in the marketplace and perform research, we clearly articulate the intended use and purpose of the dialogue and ensure that it is mutually understood and agreed to.
- No Conflicts of Interest. We do not do fee-for-hire white papers or webinars that allow clients editorial control of our opinions or analysis, or that are used for purposes other than market education. Outsell does not invest in vendor firms that we analyze, nor do we accept equity for payment of services. We do not barter services. Analysts may not hold material investments in the vendors they analyze, and our analysts must disclose all financial transactions involving such vendors. Further, analysts will not provide commentary to journalists, reporters, or bloggers about firms in which they hold any financial interest.