Resources - Site review - Keywords off the menu. Revamped GMID market information database shows the plus side of browsing a search menu rather than using keyword searches, finds Mark Chillingworth.

Global Market Information Database (GMID) from Euromonitor received an overhaul of its web interface this summer with the aim of making the depth of the database easier to un-tap.

GMID is a business reference system that allows users to collect and compare data on countries, industries and consumer lifestyles. Available as an annual subscription, the site is popular with investment banks, government departments and academic institutes with business and marketing courses.

Users can access and compare data from 250 countries and a range of markets - from agricultural resources, automotive, banking and consumer prices. Euromonitor collects the data from national statistical agencies and then re-works it so it can be cross-examined.

The new web interface demoted the keyword search tools in place of a Menu search, which provides you with a list of "ingredients" on the right-hand side. You pick and mix what you want, and with a click of a red button the database "chef" dishes up the results.

You can narrow down a search by first selecting a major geographic area and then click on a plus symbol to access lists of individual nations. ...