Abstract: The electronic distribution of research documents over the world wide web or other network to investors. A repository server receives research documents from contributors. A restriction subsystem server is selectively coupled to the contributor workstation. The restriction subsystem server which includes manages and stores "restriction" and "review" information of companies, relative to contributors. A contributor identifies (via electronic communication or otherwise) to the restriction subsystem server a "restriction" and/or "review" status of a company relative to the contributor. A particular company may be identified as "RESTRICTED" if the contributor has a current banking or financial interest in the company. Additionally, a company may be identified as "UNDER REVIEW" if the contributor believes its opinion about the company may change based on a news event. Moreover, a company may be identified as "UNDER EXTENDED REVIEW," if, for example, the contributor is not presently "covering" that company.

Abstract: The secure electronic distribution of research documents over the world wide web to investors who are authorized to receive said research documents. A repository server receives research documents from contributors. Also received are corresponding document profiles with information relating to each research document including authorization information specifying who is permitted to access each research document. The repository server includes a first database for structured query searches and a second database for full text searches. A web server is coupled to the repository server and coupled to the world wide web. The web server receives requests from investors for research documents that satisfy a query. The web server determines whether the first database or the second database should be searched based upon the type of query.