Lexis-nexis

Abstract

This article traces the early developments, in 1967, that were to form the foundation of today's LEXIS-NEXIS service. Originally built on a text retrieval system designed for the US Air Force by the Ohio-based Data Corporation, the LEXIS-NEXIS service began life as a text-retrieval system for private use by the Ohio State Bar Association. Describes the subsequent acquisition of the service by Mead Corporation; its launch as a commercial online service; and its later purchase by Reed Elsevier. Outlines the various changes and acquisitions that have taken place over the past 30 years and that have led to LEXIS-NEXIS becoming the world's largest online host. Describes the current offering of the service; details its various technical developments and acquisitions; and outlines the new focus on widening its international profile (in particular its current activities in Europe following the formation of LEXIS-NEXIS EUROPE Limited); and describes current moves to adapt the service to the Internet. Notes some of the competitors to LEXIS-NEXIS, notably Dialog, DataStar, FT Profile and MAID (as well as new generation Internet services like Pointcast), but concludes that with its unique combination of information sources and the commitment of a powerful international owner, LEXIS-NEXIS is currently ideally positioned to take advantage of a unique window of opportunity.