Portal proliferation: an Indian scenario

Abstract

Highlights how the World Wide Web paved the way for the information age. Defines the portal as a gateway to information and a one‐stop Web site that tries to satisfy most personal daily Web needs. Lists the core functions, applications and priorities of a portal. Categorizes portals into three major types: horizontal, vertical and corporate, based on specific application or area. Presents the Asian scenario of Internet growth and popping up of portals with a country wide portal list. Despite the constraints of infrastructure, Net access and low awareness, the Indian portal scenario resembles a gold rush with the phenomenon of “get‐online, get‐rich”. Lists the major Indian portals: rediff.com, indiainfo.com, expressindia.com, indiatimes.com, sify.com, ciol.com, etc. Identifies the factors for portal success as access route, strategic alliance, content route, alternative content route and examines general versus specialized portals, with examples. Concludes that the future is for niche portals that cater for sophisticated users, provide knowledge for competitiveness, and adopt new Internet technologies, connective issues and local content.

Citation

Subba Rao, S. (2001), "Portal proliferation: an Indian scenario", New Library World, Vol. 102 No. 9, pp. 325-331. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800110406204