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From my perspective, I have worked in the Internet market in China for a long time and seem some very interesting report findings been circulated as the authority source. Some seem widely optimistic and the findings often make me question the intent behind the report. Are they based on a perspective of producing an unbiased independent piece of work or maybe they were founded out of a paid engagement or had another agenda?

I think most industry pundits would argue it is best to use a number of report data-points then use the predominate trends as strong indications; this along with the authors general findings/recommendations would serve the market better rather than take one firm and establish them as the benchmarking company. That said, I struggle to find legitimately conducted research in China and often resort to taking headline numbers from questionable research methodologies and poor transparency into the ways data was collected and interpreted.There seems no alternative and when you have advertisers, publisher, even investors wanting to know where the market stands and where are we headed.. you go and acquire a report or search online...

For Chinese specific information, I use these following sources who tend to have the greatest authority in determining the state of play in the Internet and advertising space:

• iResearch
• Marbridge Consulting
• CR-Nielsen
• China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC)

My three aggregators that draw top line research numbers from research firms and therefore make it easy to get a snapshot are:

• Ad Age China
• Media Magazine
  
• Interactive Magazine

Just call me cynical but I would still take a collective approach to determining the trends. If you have can recommend other companies that produce Chinese Internet data reports or have an opinion on the ones I use then please log in and make a comment.