Richard Poynder deliberates the latest report on open-access Reed Elsiveir: Transition to Open Access - Are the cost Savings Sufficient to Protect Margins? Published by investment analyst Claudio Aspei, it examines the cost savings in an open access model with the Reed Elsivier publishers finance team. The report estimates that a full transition to open access could lead to a saving of 10-12% of the cost base of a subscription publisher.

Although it important to note that Claudion Aspesi states

"While this data lessens the estimated potential impact of a transition to OA on the profitability of Reed Elsevier, the message does not change much. Even taking into account a 12% cost reduction, the impact of an OA transition on the profitability of the journal business of Elsevier would be significant."

For further information go to Richards thought provoking discussion on the report.