This important commodityPoint study looks at European CIS/Billing software markets. It includes the results of a survey of software users that reviewed what software was used, what European buyers look for in CIS/Billing software and which vendors are best known and most widely used – among other valuable data.

It also includes a comprehensive review of most European countries (Nordic, Iberian, Central and Eastern Europe) and UtiliPoint’s ranking of each country’s retail markets based on several criteria devised specifically for the study (note: countries with mature retail markets were NOT reviewed including the United Kingdom, Ireland and Netherlands).

This study will be an important starting point for any firm looking at European retail markets and CIS/Billing software requirements.

This breakthrough survey of European users of Energy Trading, Transaction and Risk Management (ETRM) software was conducted by UtiliPoint International, Inc. during November and December, 2006 and January 2007, and fifty valid responses to the survey instrument were collected. The fifty responses include a variety of ETRM users and recommending companies across the broader European Union. Responses were obtained either by interview or by completion of an internet-based version of the questionnaire.

The report details the findings of the study including;

• - ETRM vendor brand recognition in Europe
• - Who is the perceived market leader and why
• - Installed base among respondents
• - What European buyers want in a new ETRM system
• - Replacement rates and procurement rates in 2007 and beyond
• - Where buyers go for vendor and product information
• - And a comparison with North American ETRM buyers

The UtiliPoint International, Inc. ETRM Implementation survey was conducted as a ‘snapshot’ survey using an internet-based survey instrument only and targeting various email lists maintained by UtiliPoint. 35 respondents represent ETRM Implementation projects across North America and Europe. To our knowledge, it is the first survey to delve into the implementation of ETRM software and it therefore provides useful benchmark data for those about to undertake such a project. This report outlines the survey’s results and our analysis.

The report looks at ETRM project duration and costs, project activities including integration, enhancements, data conversion and training, the use of third-party consulting firms in implementation, respondent’s ETRM Implementation project experiences, project success rates and approach to training. While the quantitative metrics provide good data points for ETRM Implementation project managers, it is the lessons learned section that may provide the most value to report readers.