OpenLink

OpenLink Selects Platts as Market Data Partner & Announces Enhanced Risk Management Capabilities

Platts Partnership adds flexibility to OpenLink’s ASP risk management strategy

NEW YORK, NY, April 9, 2008 /Business Wire/  — OpenLink, a leading provider of cross asset trading, risk management and operations processing software solutions, announced today it has selected Platts, a leading provider of energy and metals information, as a market data partner for OpenLink’s web-based OnDemand trading and risk service.

Under the new OpenLink-Platts data agreement, OpenLink customers will leverage extensive energy commodity market expertise with a more complete suite of market prices, and direct access to Platts’ full range of forward curve products covering oil, natural gas, electricity, coal and freight. Platts’ forward curve products are independent, regionally-comprehensive and standardized forward price valuations accepted by the industry as the benchmark for valuing short and long-term physical and financial contracts. Access to Platts’ real-time market data underpinned by rigorous quality and transparency protocols will allow OpenLink’s banking, hedge fund and commodities trading customers greater precision in the mark-to-market and profit-and-loss reporting activities so central to their operations.

“OpenLink’s trading and risk offering combines all the required asset classes, methodologies, technology, and data in a single solution to help our clients manage risk, make more informed financial decisions, and effectively meet their business objectives. The mission critical data component is enriched with the market prices and forward curve products from Platts,” said Ken Knowles, Executive Vice President, Finance & Risk Solutions, OpenLink.

OnDemand provides a trading and risk management solution that integrates deal capture across all asset classes, valuation models, risk measurement, financial reporting, and market data, utilizing OpenLink’s award winning Endur and Findur product lines. OnDemand’s hosted solution mitigates the need for clients to invest in additional support and IT infrastructure. In addition, this service adapts to clients’ complex needs, with the streamlined option to migrate the software to an internally deployed growth platform as the business requirements evolve, without having to change software vendors or products.

Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Hesselbirg, CEO, OpenLink said, "Platts brings both market know-how and well established processes that underpin price discovery and data integrity in our OnDemand product set. This is essential for our clients trading in today’s commodity and energy markets, and we are pleased to welcome Platts as a key data partner for OpenLink.”

“Platts is committed to expanding the suite of integrated workflow tools through which energy, risk management, and operations professionals may receive the Platts market data, news and pricing information they’ve come to rely on. OpenLink, with its expansive product offering and solid reputation, is a welcome addition to our global delivery network and will foster even greater efficiencies and competitive edge for our customers,” said Victoria Chu Pao, president of Platts.

About Platts

Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of energy and commodities information. With nearly a century of business experience, Platts serves customers across more than 150 countries. From 17 offices worldwide, Platts serves the oil, natural gas, electricity, nuclear power, coal, petrochemical, emissions, shipping and metals markets. Platts' real time news, pricing, analytical services, and conferences help markets operate with transparency and efficiency. Traders, risk managers, analysts, and industry leaders depend upon Platts to help them make better trading and investment decisions. Additional information is available at http://www.platts.com.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) are a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

About OpenLink

Founded in 1992, OpenLink is a leading developer of cross-asset trading, risk management, and operations processing software solutions. The company's Next Generation eXtensible (NGX) platform supports the most rigorous business requirements of firms trading in virtually all asset classes including crude products, natural gas, electricity, weather derivatives, emissions credits, interest rate derivatives, credit derivatives, hybrid/structured products, fixed income securities, foreign exchange, money markets, metals, soft, and other commodities. OpenLink's global client base includes 120+ clients such as Austin Energy, APC Austrian Power Vertriebs GmbH, Bank of America, Bridgeline Holdings, BKW FMB Energie AG, Calyon, Coral Energy, Citigroup Global Market, Inc., D-Energia Kft., Deutsche Bank, EDF Energy plc, Enbridge, Energy Transfer Partners, HESS Corporation, Nexen, NEW Energie GmbH, Shell, Statoil, and Vattenfall Europe Trading. Headquartered in Long Island, New York, and with offices in London, Houston, New York City, Berlin, Vienna, Sydney, and São Paulo, OpenLink employs more than 560 professionals worldwide.

Editorial Contact

e-mail: Stephen Amador
Director of Marketing
OpenLink
Direct phone: +1 516 394 1274