They expect a return on that investment, generated from enhanced profits in the future. This can only be secured from better sales revenue. The treatment of capital expenditure described above is as true of non-profit organisations as it is for commercial companies. It is standard accounting practice. So the investment by publishers in equipment to support online access and archiving will ultimately be reflected in the price paid for online information.
Shareholders invest to obtain a return on their investments.
John Cox 22 January 2000 John Cox is Principal of John Cox Associates, a consultant specialising in content management and publishing.