Here is a different take on the survey of test engineers by T&MW I previously wrote about, this from the Info Commerce Report.
“Our read of this study is that engineers have no inherent objection to using an intermediary site such as a directory, as long as adds value, such as normalizing data to make it comparable across suppliers, offering CAD drawings, or adding e-commerce functionality.
The top ten list of non-vendors sites is also revealing. There are three types of sites on this list: 1) major search engines (that efficiently move the engineer to a supplier’s Web Site), 2) directories that offered added value through deep content and/or increased functionality, and 3) Test & Measurement World magazine which is accessed as a trusted source of new and objective information (and offers a buyer’s guide as well). Bottom line: directories have a role and can compete, but they need to work harder in a Web-based world. “