Microsoft has announced plans to offer a web analytics application to go directly head to head with Google Analytics. The code name for the project is Gatineau, which is the name of the Canadian city from which DeepMetrix was located. DeepMetrix was recently acquired by Microsoft and is in the process of adapting the application to fit its own needs. Ian Thomas recently stated that the next step in the project is an invitation only beta. Microsoft hopes to reduce some of the problems associated with the general launch of Google Analytics, in which Google was simply overwhelmed by the response it received with its web analytics program. Mr. Thomas is reserved in his remarks, and has offered no hints if Gatineau is going to resolve and enhance some of the issues that customers have with Google Analytics. Although it is nearly impossible to come out with a perfect tool that pleases everyone there are some marked improvements that Google could make its in web analytics application. Among the few things that he is saying is that he hopes that it will launch sometime in 2007, and that the name of the final product is still up in the air. Gatineau is way too complicated to pronounce, and we're glad to hear that a simpler catch phrase application name will be announced. Whatever the case may be Sonicko has applied to become a beta tester, so we will be sure to announce our results as soon as we can get our hands on it. If you have any further questions that we haven't clearly addressed, or just need some advise feel free to email us at info@sonicko.com