Comtech white papers bring together the results of key benchmark studies, competitive analyses, and industry best practices. Our white papers are consulted year after year because the information they include rarely goes out of date.

Industry Analysis Series

Available Now!

The Industry Analysis Series, a collection of white papers published by the Center for Information-Development Management, reports important developments in the field and research conducted by the CIDM. These papers are available to CIDM members at a discounted cost. They are also available to the general public for a non-member price.

To purchase these white papers, contact Comtech Services at or 303-232-7586

Developing Your Content-Management Solution

Read a compact review of the steps necessary to plan and implement a content management system in your organization. This white paper provides you with an outline of the activities you will need to include during your implementation. It suggests the teams that you'll need to ensure that your solution produces the return on investment that you've promised. Copyright © 2002.

CIDM Member Price: $17
Non-member Price: $25

Information Development in China and India

This report is an update to our 2001 Offshore Information Development White Paper. Information Developers working in India and China, as well as North American and European organizations working with information developers offshore, were surveyed and interviewed. The findings of this study are found in this updated report. We discuss common challenges faced by companies already using offshore information developers and take a look at the hidden costs often neglected when considering the cost of doing business offshore. Copyright © 2007.

CIDM Member Price: $149
Non-member Price: $295

Ratio White Paper

Curious about how much money in the budget should go toward documentation? Or how many writers to programmers? This study was conducted via a questionnaire to our CIDM members. Copyright © 2004

CIDM Member Price: $34
Non-member Price: $50

Translation and Localization White Paper

This report presents the findings of a benchmark study, highlighting the best practices of several translation and localization organizations. The report looks at the cost control mechanisms each of these organizations has implemented to be the successes they are today. Copyright © 2005.

CIDM Member Price: $149
Non-member Price: $295

Making a Business Case for User-Centered Design

We introduce the concept of Crossing the Chasm and investigate the Technology Adoption Life Cycle as a way of determining when to invest in UCD and how to use UCD to present a compelling value proposition to mainstream customers. By using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach detailed in this paper, you have a method of accurately measuring UCD results both during planning and development and after a product is released. Copyright © 2001

CIDM Member Price: $149
Non-member Price: $295

Organizational Structure White Paper

This report presents the findings of a benchmark study, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of both centralized and distributed structures. It highlights how to work within the existing structure to ensure documentation goals are met. Copyright © 2001

CIDM Member Price: $149
Non-member Price: $295

Making a Business Case for Outsourcing

In this business case, we discuss the reasons that companies choose to outsource, outsourcing strategies, the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing, and the management issues involved in ensuring that an outsourcing engagement is successful. Copyright © 2001

CIDM Member Price: $65
Non-member Price: $95