IDC, RelevantKnowledge in Joint Research Venture

International Data Corp. and RelevantKnowledge Inc. launched a joint venture in which IDC will incorporate data from the latter’s Web measurement product to publish research studies analyzing and projecting Web usage trends on a quarterly basis.

RelevantKnowledge follows a measurement model similar to television household ratings. The company’s panel, Panel2000, reflects the Web universe defined in the company’s ongoing enumeration efforts.

Panel2000, which includes users of all major computing platforms (PC, Mac, and Unix), measures the same user from all locations of access–business, home, and college. Panel members are recruited via an equal probability, random-digit dialing methodology, and their clickstream data is collected over the Web and processed in real time.

Said Jill Frankle, program manager for IDC’s Consumer Internet program: “By linking RelevantKnowledge’s data with IDC’s analysis, we will provide the industry with the clearest insights into Web users–their behavior, usage patterns, and preferences.” Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Framingham, MA, IDC provides IT market research and consulting to more than 3,900 high-technology customers around the world. It is a division of International Data Group.

RelevantKnowledge offers monthly syndicated reports on overall Web usage on the most heavily trafficked Web sites (The Web Report) and detailed information on specific sites (RK Site Reports).