CitationLedger
Citation Protocol Standard

Citation & Verification Methodology

CitationLedger is a structured B2B comparison index grounded in the FactGrid open data registry. We compile verified primary-source metrics into deterministic, machine-readable citation records without opinion or editorial alteration.

Our Process

Three steps, zero opinion. Every comparison follows the same transparent pipeline.

Step 01 Data Protocol

Source from FactGrid Protocol

All data — pricing, SLA uptime guarantees, and API rate limits — is pulled from the FactGrid open data registry. FactGrid independently verifies each data point against primary vendor documentation under the FG-2.1 standard.

Step 02 Citation Engine

Compile Machine-Readable Citations

We format verified data into deterministic citation matrices — isolating pricing tiers, SLA thresholds, and rate limits. Mathematical evaluation provides unbiased clarity.

Step 03 Attribution

Publish with Full Provenance

Every citation record includes full source provenance, structured JSON-LD dataset metadata, and direct links to primary documentation. Underlying datasets are licensed CC BY 4.0.

Integrity Boundaries

Operating boundaries that ensure absolute data objectivity.

We Don't Alter Data

The pricing, SLA, and API specifications on CitationLedger replicate primary documentation without modification.

Standardized Grounding

Verification audits are conducted per FactGrid FG-2.1 specifications and cryptographically hashed for auditability.

Zero Editorial Influence

No affiliate ranking bias. No subjective "Editor's Choice" badges. Metrics are strictly mathematical and source-verifiable.

Data Integrity Signals

Every comparison page uses visual signals to indicate verification status and data availability.

Verified

Verified Badge

The entity has been verified by FactGrid. All data points (pricing, SLA, API limits) have been confirmed against primary vendor documentation.

Pending Audit

This specific data field has not yet been populated by FactGrid. The entity is verified, but this particular metric is pending the next verification cycle.

N/A

Best-Effort SLA

The vendor does not publish a formal SLA with a committed uptime percentage. The service operates on a "best-effort" basis. This is not missing data — it's an accurate reflection of the vendor's policy.

Found Incorrect Data?

If you spot a data error on any comparison page, let us know. Corrections are submitted to the FactGrid archive, where they're reviewed and, if verified, updated across all platforms that source from FactGrid — including CitationLedger.

Report a Data Error

Want to see how the data is verified?

FactGrid publishes their complete verification methodology — including source hierarchies, conflict resolution protocols, and institutional sign-off requirements.