White Paper

A report or guide that informs readers concisely about a complex issue and presents the issuing body’s philosophy on the matter. It is meant to help readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision.
White papers are a type of grey literataure (which means, materials and research produced by organizations outside of the traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels).

The term white paper originated with the British government, and many point to the Churchill White Paper of 1922 as the earliest well-known example under this name.The purpose of a white paper is to promote a certain product, service, technology, or methodology, and to influence current and prospective customers’ or investors’ decisions.

Example

>A white paper is much needed concerning privacy issues in the aftermath of the recent data leaks from social media sites.

>Sony issues white paper on its history with innovation and intellectual property.