Whether you are preparing for a business meeting or executing mission-critical tasks, white papers can help. Documenting what we know remains a challenge in the computer security profession.
White papers are probably the most formal method, and they have the advantage of wide dissemination.
These documents usually speak to a specific issue in depth. The range varies though with respect to the quality of coverage. The practical questions to ask about security white papers revolve around their effectiveness. Cutting straight to the main issues eliminates much tedious introductory material found in textbooks. Or you may simply desire a broad overview or perspective on a topic.