These directories are useful if you have a name, but difficult if you are looking for products. ECHO has a database called I'M Guide which is really a directory of the European Information Industry. Yes, this is a telnet session, and can be painfully slow. Start with 'Find ' then 'Show' to retrieve your results. For more, read the pdf manual on CCL .
Professional research demands a more effective, timely use of resources at hand.
It is challenging, and it is an occupation. Unlike researching yourself, professional researchers often know little about the topic we are asked to research. We may not know the phrases which accurately describe a specific concept, we sometimes don't recognize gold if its labeled copper, but we have to do everything fast - lest the cost escalate above the expectation of the client. Yes, professional research starts with the client. Professional research involves far less book and library work, and far more interviewing, database access and online article purchasing.