2. (World Wide Web) A Portal (shortly P) is a Website that offers a broad array of integrated Information Resources, utility Services and a broad range of functionalism. The best definition of a Portal is through their typical characteristics. The most typical characteristics of Portals are (i) availability of one or more Search Engines; (ii) the availability of one or more Directories; (iii) the availability of one or more News Sections. Some secondary typical characteristics include (a) Glossary; (b) Articles. Some of those integrated Information Resources, utility Services and functionalism may be provided by partners. The Information on Portals available to Users is organized under a structured architecture by major categories and sub-categories, similar to the one of Directory Websites. Portals can eventually be customized and/or customizable by Users (filtered information flow). The structured information available on a Portal is normally categorized by specialized human reviewers (Portal Editors). Portals can belong (i) to Web Advertising Media; (ii) to Web Information Resources. Portals belonging to Web Advertising Media operate under a profit-driven philosophy, have commercial nature, their aims consist on provide to, receive from and exchange Information with their Audiences, usually offer advanced Advertising Opportunities, their aims consist on provide to, receive from and exchange Information with their Audiences and to launch, sustain or develop a business and their costs of implementation are supported by Internet Advertising. Portals belonging to Web Information Resources operate through a public service model, have non-commercial nature and their aims consist on provide to, receive from and exchange Information with their Audiences. |
