TRG Strikes Distribution Deal with Xpansion for Feeds Usage Monitoring

Data inventory management platform vendor TRG Screen is extending its usage monitoring capabilities to cover datafeeds and reference data services via an agreement to license and sell UK-based cost-tracking software provider Xpansion Financial Technology Services’ Xmon usage management tool.

TRG has acquired global distribution rights to Xmon, and will provide sales and relationship management for new business, while Xpansion will provide support and maintain the relationships with existing clients.

The vendor has held early conversations with clients about the integrated service, and will be ready to offer it live starting next week.

By integrating Xmon into its existing FITS (Financial Information Tracking System) and InfoMatch products, TRG will enable clients to track usage of feed-based reference data services and identify opportunities to optimize spend—such as by eliminating duplicative services, or per-download fees.

Leigh Walters, chief commercial officer at TRG, says the move expands the vendor’s capabilities and customer appeal, noting that it already has capabilities for monitoring web-based data subscriptions via its acquisition of ResearchMonitor, and desktop data services via an agreement to license Vela’s DART tool, but did not have an equivalent tool for monitoring actual usage of feed-based services.

“We are trying to make ourselves more relevant to a broader client base,” Walters says. “Being able to offer a single ‘one-stop shop’ is very attractive for clients.”

That said, partnering with Xpansion rather than building a similar capability in-house or simply acquiring the technology delivers better efficiency scale, and global support, Walters adds.

For Xpansion, the move will expand the vendor’s exposure to a broader client base. “It extends our exposure to a bigger audience via TRG’s sales group,” says Amjad Zoghbi, co-founder and director of Xpansion, adding that the companies held initial discussions about two years ago. “We knew TRG, we knew FITS, so this made sense from a product strategy perspective.”

Under the agreement, Xpansion—in collaboration with TRG on strategic direction—will continue to develop the product. That “strategic direction” could also include adapting Xmon for use in other industries served by TRG, such as for feed-based information sources subscribed to by law firms, where ResearchMonitor originated.