Broadbase Tackles European Analytics Market.

Broadbase Software Inc, the maker of internet customer management and analysis software, claims it can save up to 40% of the cost of purchasing and implementing data extraction and analysis tools. By combining extraction technology with analytics tools, it straddles the markets of Extraction Transformation and Loading (ETL) vendors such as Acta and Informatica and Business Intelligence players like Business Objects or Cognos. Menlo Park, California-based Broadbase floated last week on Nasdaq (CI No 3,754), and raised $56m from the 4 million share float.

Broadbase says it already has adapters to drag data from several sites, including front-office firms Vantive, Clarify and Baan. It will use the flotation cash to increase the number of connectivity tools for SAP R/3 modules. Broadbase already extracts information from the Walldorf, Germany firm's sales and distribution and finance ERP modules.

In the last three months, Broadbase has added to its six offices across the US and in Tokyo, with European representation in the UK, Germany and Holland. The next 12 months, said VP International Anthony Foy, will be spent consolidating the firm's investment in these and establishing critical mass. After that, France and Scandinavia are the target markets for establishing branches, although Foy did not reveal the size of the fund Broadbase has earmarked for these, citing SEC 'quiet period' regulations. Although it derives between 15% and 20% from implementing its software, Broadbase will look to systems integration partners such as Cambridge Technology Partners and Debis for building its customer base.