What is White Paper?

[Buzliteyear]

Probably a elementary question, but can someone explain exactly what "White Paper" or White Papers are? I see this on many sites.

Thanks.

Buz

[jonrichd]

A white paper is nominally a position paper on a given technical subject. It's supposed to present the issues involved with the subject, and best practices for dealing with the issue.

So a white paper on computer networks might compare the advantages/disadvantages of using wireless vs. wired networks, and the reasons why or why not you might pick one over the other.

Of course, vendors writing white papers somehow miraculously see their product as the best solution for the issue at hand.

[Tomness]

I had never even heard of it until just. It's basicaly like pros and cons of something though?

What context is it used it?

"White paper for ###"?

I don't quite understand, but I am intreguied.

[victor]

Its a *white* paper to contrast it with a *green* paper or other earlier drafts (of other colours). Traditionally, a way of denoting a stage in the evolution of a policy.

[en.wikipedia.org...]
[en.wikipedia.org...]

[Essex_boy]

I think the term originated in England - parliment to be exact.