Today, a business-to-business (B2B) white paper is closer to a marketing presentation, a form of content meant to persuade customers and partners and promote a certain product or viewpoint.
[4] In the British government, a white paper is usually the less extensive version of the so-called blue book, both terms being derived from the colour of the document's cover.
"[6] In Canada, a white paper is "a policy document, approved by Cabinet, tabled in the House of Commons and made available to the general public".
Publishing a white paper tests public opinion on controversial policy issues and helps the government gauge its probable impact.
As a marketing tool, these papers use selected facts and logical arguments to build a case favorable to the company sponsoring the document.
They may also present research findings, list a set of questions or tips about a certain business issue, or highlight a particular product or service from a vendor.