Definition: A whitepaper (or white paper) is a document issued by governments, organizations, or not-for-profit organizations to provide information on policies, regulations, findings, services, products, etc.
A white paper can provide a solution to any problem, analysis of an issue, or opinion on an issue that the public or audience is facing, supported by objective data and facts.
Government publishes white papers to provide details on issues or regulations to the public and opposition. Sometimes, opposition parties or public unions can demand white papers for issues related to them.
Private organizations issue white papers as a marketing tool for consumers or other business entities. This white paper is mostly a 2,000-3,000-word document that provides technical and informational details about products and services.
Note that a white paper is not a manual or flashy magazine; it is a plain document with technical details and other information.
NGOs can publish white papers to increase awareness of issues the public is facing.
Examples of White Papers
The following are three popular examples of white papers.
#1. Cisco: Networking And Your Competitive Edge
Cisco is a famous organization that provides networking equipment, telecom equipment, and other networking and data security solutions.
To explain the problems and solutions of this domain, Cisco published a white paper, “Networking And Your Competitive Edge.” The white paper targets the business audience and explains the importance of having a robust networking and security solution.
#2. HSBC: Are Equities Overvalued?
HSBC published a white paper for equity investors, “Are Equities Overvalued?” Here, HSBC explains that investors should not keep all investments in equity. Investors should diversify their portfolios.
Through this white paper, HSBC tries to provide a solution to a problem faced by many stock market investors.
#3. Google: Google Cloud Security and Compliance
Google published an information white paper, “Google Cloud Security and Compliance.” In this white paper, Google provided information about their cloud security-related product, its importance, and how they secure the data.
Summary
White papers are good tools for governments and organizations to provide information or technical details and increase awareness of issues. These documents provide information with facts and data.