Synopsis

Archived report: this report was archived in September 2006 and has not been updated. Portals were initially seen as having great potential in the late 1990s, and the first portals were sold to larger operators for huge sums. However the prices paid had little to do with the profitability of the portals. Subsequent events have shown a decrease in usage and profitability, and several operators have failed. While portals have a place, most current services are missing the market. Most portals are broadly built and are often very shallow, especially those from the existing media companies. Internet users are increasingly looking for very narrow but deep information, and are learning where to find it themselves.