PC Data Online Shuts Doors

Online metrics firm PC Data told clients Tuesday that it will cease operations on April 13. Paris-based NetValue and comScore Networks both picked up assets of the company.

“Over the past few months we have worked internally to explore several options to continue to provide the quality products and services you demand,” Ann Stephens, chairman and founder of Reston, Va.-based PC Data, wrote in a letter to the company’s clients. “Unfortunately, due to current market conditions, we feel the best way to serve our customers is by transitioning the business to a new service provider.”

Stephens said further details of the transition would be available later in the week.

NetValue purchased access to PC Data’s U.S. clients, international affiliates and the possibility of converting PC Data North American panelists to NetValue’s metering and analysis technology. Meanwhile, comScore will provide PC Data’s at home audience with Internet audience measurement reports through its netScore service. comScore said it would provide the netScore Traffic Report – U.S. Home at no incremental cost for the balance of clients’ contracts with PC Data.

Stephens waxed eloquently about comScore’s service — with a panel of more than 1 million active U.S. members — saying, “In many ways, I wish we had the resources at PC Data to build this type of service.” netScore measures Internet audiences at home and provides service options for measuring workplace, college and university and international audiences.

NetValue said it would continue to develop PC Data’s strategic alliances in the U.S. and internationally, and added that it would also explore future global ventures with comScore.

“This acquisition allows us to reinforce our position in the U.S. market with an enlarged panel base, new clients and new international partners,” said Lennart Brag, chairman and chief executive officer of NetValue. “We are also excited about our emerging relationship with comScore Networks and the great commercial potential offered by their massive global database. These developments will further strengthen NetValue’s position as a global leader in Internet intelligence.”