Researching Competitors
As you zoom in on the problem you are solving and the market you are penetrating, you will want to gather more in-depth intelligence on your direct competitors. What are they doing, how are they doing it and how can you take a definitive stand in the market?
Along with the library sources we have described, the outside world is also brimming with relevant competitive intelligence. Here, Inc Magazine walks you through a framework for competitive research. They also link to a series of links that will serve you well as you sniff about.
http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/05/conducting-competitive-research.html