Infomediary in a Consumer Exchange Market

Certain needs that shoppers have for information conflict with the objectives and perceived self-interest of retailers and suppliers. Comparative pricing and privacy, for example.

Privacy is a major political issue. In his book, Net Worth, Hagel coins the term “Infomediary” to describe the emerging role of information trustees or custodians. Infomediaries, are similar to trusted membership organizations delivering value and services electronically. They function much as financial custodians—except that their stock in trade is information rather than securities.

MicroNEX has a strategic alliance with the IMA Group, an association management company. which acts as an infomediary on behalf of shoppers patronizing CRISP-equipped establishments.

MicroNEX believes many routine consumer transactions in the future will take place electronically on a “Value-Added Consumer Exchange.” MicroNEX envisions an alliance consisting of: point-of-sale companies for transaction origination; a financial services com-pany for settlement and clear-ance activities; an Infomediary; product and analytics content providers; and, communications companies — including an Internet Service Provider — for net-working services. MicroNEX plans to function as the “market-maker” on such an exchange to direct billions of dollars in order flow and customize offerings to consumer needs.