Reports

Executive Summary

Market perceptions of leadership in various aspects of E/CTRM are useful indicators as to which product companies have developed strong brand awareness and a reputation for producing products that can meet generalized or specific needs of various market participants. However, for companies seeking to purchase a new technology solution, these perceptions should be but an element of a comprehensive selection process that takes into consideration the ability of any vendor to meet the multitude of requirements that one might have when operating in a very complex marketplace such as energy and commodities trading.

The results of our survey of 60 total respondents, representing 58 different companies around the world, shows five companies are most often recognized as being providers of software in E/CTRM. Those five include OpenLink Financials (OpenLink), Triple Point Technology (Triple Point), Allegro Development (Allegro), SunGard Energy and Commodities (SunGard) and Solarc (which was acquired by OpenLink during the data collection phase of this research). Other companies also received numerous mentions in overall market awareness, including Ventyx/ABB, Navita (recently acquired by Brady), Murex, Amphora, Brady, Contigo and Encompass.

This compilation of interviews marks the 11th annual collection of this type. Yet, over the past year, our industry’s marketplace has become much more dynamic. Smart meter deployments accelerated, in part due to the release of over $4 billion in stimulus funding. Many utilities’ deployments have reached the stage where they have begun extensive operation of smart grids. As this deployed technology comes online, utilities face new, exciting and challenging issues. The executives interviewed here are more than just thought leaders; they are front‐line customer service experts.