When the CrossFire databases were released in 1994, chemical information be
came available in electronic form of a quality and quantity never before ac
cessible to end-users. Describes the information sources used by chemists b
efore CrossFire and the origins of the CrossFire database. Discusses the co
ntent and functionality of CrossFire, and provides examples to illustrate i
ts capabilities. The database allows chemists to search in their own langua
ge of structures, reactions and properties, and this has had an impact on t
he type of chemical information searching possible. Makes particular refere
nce to the CrossFire service provided by MIMAS to the UK and Scandinavian a
cademic communities. Also mentions the position of CrossFire in the chemica
l information landscape, along with news of expected developments.