Yankee Group primes for NBN advisory role

The U.S. analyst firm today appointed AsiaFootprint, a Melbourne-based company that helps companies get their footing in Australasian markets, to provide it regional expertise and sales support.

The Yankee Group will be represented by AsiaFootprint chief Craig Stockdale and a team of six consultants nationwide.

Depending on its success, iTnews understands the firm has longer term plans to set up a research group on the ground, which would put it in competition with other analyst firms and individuals that follow the carrier market, such as Ovum, Market Clarity and Paul Budde.

"Once we build a customer base then we'll potentially incorporate a research group on the ground in the A/NZ region," Stockdale confirmed.

"But you don't hire a bunch of engineers if you don't have revenue coming through the door first."

The Yankee Group made no secret of its intentions to secure a role in the consultancy aspects of the NBN.

"With Australia and New Zealand emerging as growth sectors in connectivity, it is natural for us to expand our presence there," said Emily Green, president and CEO of Yankee Group.

Stockdale added: "Given the Government's push for the NBN, they need to look at options for rollout and for good advisers and research analysts [as part of that process].

"When you're looking to invest in this type of network, you need multiple strains of research to validate your business case. At the moment, most of the research required in this area is international research."

Stockdale said he would be targeting carriers, governments and the enterprise sector to build Yankee's local base.

Currently, the firm has just one relationship with an Australian firm, Stockdale said, which is managed directly out of the U.S.