Ramius Corporation is showcased as an innovative business to watch by leading research firm

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jul 24, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Ramius(R) Corporation, a leading provider of social networking and online community software services, today announced it has been named as one of IDC's "10 Canadian Web 2.0 Companies to Watch" (IDC #CA2TIW8).

The report profiles 10 Web 2.0 companies that IDC believes are worthy of highlighting to the broader industry and have the potential to make an impact in the information and communication technology (ICT) market. IDC provides insight into the solutions, go-to-market strategies, partners, and customers of the profiled vendors. Lessons learned may provide a model for other emerging companies in the Canadian technology marketplace, and help larger vendors and investors identify partnership and investment opportunities.

Ramius is highlighted in the report for its newest software offering, Sixent(TM), a social networking platform now in beta release as a free consumer service. Sixent gives users the ability to create multiple profiles to show different sides of themselves to different people. With an unprecedented level of control over access to their profiles, content and groups, people can for the first time confidently engage all of their contacts on a single network.
 

"In the Web 2.0 space, those companies that can demonstrate a need for their solutions and integrate them seamlessly into users' natural workflow, attract and maintain active users, and deliver ongoing value will be well positioned for future growth and will make the transition from 'cool' to 'critical'," said Krista Collins, Analyst, Canadian IT Innovation and Export for IDC Canada. "The companies in this study, including Ramius, highlight the wealth of promising Web 2.0 companies across Canada that are positioning themselves to make that transition."

An enterprise version of the service will be launched later this year to support organizations in building branded online networks, while providing opportunities to connect directly with the consumer network.

"Ramius is honored to be recognized by IDC as a 'company to watch'," says President and CEO, Alfred Jay. "Sixent is a service that offers people real control over how they network and interact with their entire social graph. When applied to an enterprise business environment, this control and utility can help businesses connect with customers and other stakeholders in more relevant and meaningful ways."

The vendors selected for this study were isolated from a wide pool of Canadian candidates tracked by IDC. Criteria were based on clarity of vision, existing and future partnership opportunities, customer sustainability and growth, competitive differentiation and go-to-market strategy.

For more information on the "10 Canadian Web 2.0 Companies to Watch" report, visit: http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=CA2TIW8&_requestid=72155.
 

About Sixent(TM)

Sixent is a social networking platform that makes it easier for people to share their lives online the way they want. Whether connecting with friends, family, business contacts, or the world, Sixent gives users the ability to share the right information with the right people. Sixent is now in beta release at http://sixent.com.

Ramius Corporation is an Internet applications company focused on the development and delivery of social software that streamlines business processes and empowers individuals. Ramius' newest software service, Sixent, is a social networking platform that lets users selectively share profiles and content with a widely diverse network of contacts. Ramius' software and professional services have enabled clients to build successful online communities to engage partners, customers, employees, and others. Founded in 1998, Ramius' leading clients include: Sun Microsystems, NASA, IEEE, the American Marketing Association and the World Bank. http://www.ramius.net.