white paper

1. A concise report that informs readers about a complex issue, often used to convey an organization's philosophy and pursuade potential customers. This type of document contains proposals for the specific policy area suggested during the consultation process initiated with the publication of a green paper. In British law, several drafts of a white paper may be distributed for the final comments after which it goes for approval to the apex body such as a Parliament before it becomes the official policy.

2. Marketing tool in the form of information on the technology underlying a complex product of system and on how it will benefit the customer.