How often is the information updated?
The information contained in the Computing mi databases is continuously updated. Every record is updated at least once a year ensuring all details are kept as accurate as possible. Each record in the online site shows the date it was last researched.

How is the information collected?
Data is gathered primarily via telephone interviews and each completed record is quality checked by a team of editorial staff before it is published online. All information is sourced directly from the most relevant contact and over 2,500 interviews are carried out by our research team per month.

Is the database screened against the CTPS database?
All databases are fully checked against the CTPS and PAF (Postal Address Finder) databases.

Where do you get company records from?
Computing mi has been supplying b2b information for over 30 years so is a well established database in its own right. We also replace around 20% of the database size each year with entirely new records so our existing customers always have new leads to call. These new records are supplied from our circulation database to our Computing, IT week, AccountancyAge and CRN titles, and also from partnerships with other data providers such as Onesource. Every record we publish has gone through our internal rigorous research and editorial process before it is published online.

Why should I purchase from Computing mi as opposed to other data suppliers?

• Computing mi is a division of VNU, one of the world's leading publishing and information companies with market leading titles such as Computing, CRN, IT week, PCW, AccountancyAge and Computeractive
• Computing mi is the most affordable and comprehensive lead generation solution on the IT marketplace
• Computing mi offers a choice of formats and subscription levels according to your needs
• Computing mi have been supplying clean and accurate business information products for over 30 years
• No other data provider offers the same depth of data per record

How many users may access a subscription?
Each standard subscription is for single user access only. This means you can log in to the site from any PC but the username and password will only work on one PC at any one time. Multiple user licences are available at a discounted price.

How do credit units work and how will they be used?
Credit units are used if you want to download Company and contact details to a spreadsheet or mail merge program such as Excel. One credit unit allows you to download the contact name and job title of one contact, together with the address, OR the phone number. Downloading the address and telephone number will cost two credit units per contact name.
e.g.

1 contact name, with job title	1 contact name, with job title
+ company name	+ company name
+ address	+ address
OR telephone number	AND telephone number
= 1 credit unit	= 2 credit units

Please note:

• Credit units are only needed if you want to download information for mailshot or telemarketing campaigns. No credit units are used if you simply wish to view the information online.
• Additional contact names and more detailed company information (where available) will require additional credit
units.

For step by step instructions on how to download please see the IT users or the IT suppliers help file.

Can email addresses be downloaded?
Email addresses are displayed in the record but are not available for download.

Can I make my own notes on a company of interest/save popular searches?
Subscribers can make notes on companies that are contacted and even save popular search criteria. Take the online demo tour to see what functionality is available to subscribers.

I am not sure what online version to order?
A chart is available showing what search options you get with each version on the separate mi users or mi suppliers pages. Alternatively call customer services to discuss what option is most suitable for your needs.

Can I upgrade from one version to another if I decide I need more information?
Yes, you will be upgraded automatically once your payment has been processed. There is no extra cost to upgrade - you only pay the difference in the subscription charge. You will also receive any additional credit units you are entitled to.

Problems logging on? I am getting the following error message(s)

Username and password is not recognised
The majority of our customers have a subscription to either the mi IT user or the mi IT supplier database so this may be because you are logging into the website you do not have a subscription for. Please check your subscription details or simply try your details in the other login box. If you still have problems it could be that your username and password has expired. Please call customer services for details.

Session expiry
Due to the amount of valuable information contained in the site your session will expire after 12 minutes of inactivity. You must run searches or load pages within this timescale to remain active.

I get an error message saying that my username and password is already in use?
Access to the sites are supplied on a single user licence basis only - so if you share with one of your colleagues they may already be logged in. If you are confident that nobody is using the same username and password then it could be that you have left the site without pressing the logout button. Please close all browser windows and try again after 15 minutes. If you still are not able to log on then call customer services.

I have logged in but picklists are not available in the search screen?
Are you using a browser such as Mozilla or Firefox? The dynamic website is only compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer.