EXHIBIT 99.5
 
                              DESKTOP DATA, INC.
 
                                                               January 28, 1998
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
  As most of you are aware, Desktop Data, Inc. ("Desktop") has entered into an
agreement to combine with Individual, Inc. ("Individual") in a strategic
business combination (the "Merger"). At our Special Meeting on Tuesday,
February 24, 1998, you will be asked to consider and vote upon: (i) the
Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated November 2, 1997 (the
"Agreement"), between Desktop and Individual, relating to the proposed Merger
and the issuance of shares of the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
Desktop (the "Desktop Common Stock") to the stockholders of Individual
pursuant to the Agreement, (ii) an amendment to the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of Desktop (the "Certificate") to change the
corporate name of Desktop to "NewsEDGE Corporation," subject to and upon
consummation of the Merger, (iii) an amendment to the Certificate to increase
the authorized shares of Desktop Common Stock reserved for issuance from
15,000,000 to 35,000,000 shares, subject to and upon consummation of the
Merger, (iv) an amendment to the Desktop 1995 Stock Plan to increase the
number of shares of the Desktop Common Stock to be reserved for issuance
thereunder from 1,625,000 to 4,125,000 shares, subject to and upon
consummation of the Merger; and (v) amendments to the Desktop 1995 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan, including the increase in the number of shares of the
Desktop Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder from 175,000 to 500,000
shares, subject to and upon consummation of the Merger. Each of the foregoing
proposals is described more fully in the accompanying Prospectus/Joint Proxy
Statement.
 
  After careful consideration, Desktop's Board of Directors has unanimously
approved the Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and
recommends that you vote for each of the foregoing proposals. The Board of
Directors of Desktop believes the Merger offers Desktop and its stockholders a
number of important benefits including: (i) the potential to realize long-term
improved operating and financial results and a stronger competitive position
than Desktop might achieve independently; (ii) a strategic fit between the
customized news integration businesses and services which each company has
independently developed; and (iii) greater opportunities to develop business
relationships and license content and technology. In this way, the Merger
could provide Desktop with the range of products and services required to play
a defining role in the market for customized news integration services for
business information. Following the Merger, based on the shares of Individual
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Individual Common Stock"), and
Desktop Common Stock outstanding as of January 9, 1998, the former holders of
Individual Common Stock will hold 48.6% of the common stock of the
consolidated entity composed of Desktop and Individual together (the "Combined
Company Common Stock"), and the holders of Desktop Common Stock prior to the
Merger will hold 51.4% of the Combined Company Common Stock.
 
  All stockholders are invited to attend the Special Meeting in person. The
approval of the Agreement and the Merger and the amendments to the Certificate
require the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled
to vote regarding such proposal. All other proposals require the affirmative
vote of a majority of the total votes cast regarding such proposals.
 
  STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO REVIEW CAREFULLY THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS/JOINT PROXY STATEMENT, INCLUDING IN PARTICULAR THE
INFORMATION UNDER THE CAPTIONS "RISK FACTORS," "DESKTOP DATA, INC. SPECIAL
MEETING--RECOMMENDATIONS OF DESKTOP BOARD OF DIRECTORS," "APPROVAL OF THE
MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS--JOINT REASONS FOR THE MERGER" AND "--
DESKTOP'S REASONS FOR THE MERGER" PRIOR TO MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION.
 
  Whether or not you expect to attend the Special Meeting in person, please
complete, sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed
postage-prepaid envelope to assure representation of your shares.

 
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it has been voted, and if you
attend the Special Meeting you may
vote in person even if you have previously returned your proxy card. Your
prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          Donald L. McLagan
                                          Chairman, President and Chief
                                           Executive Officer
 
Burlington, Massachusetts
 
                  YOUR PROXY IS IMPORTANT-PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY
 
 
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