"A lean economy demands flexible solutions that can start small and grow as companies develop their business," says Hughes. "The AES technology platform is the first in our sector to break with the enterprise software tradition and go the SaaS route. Its perfect fit, rapid implementation and any-to-many scalability are in sharp contrast to the year-long project schedules, make-do business process integration and inability to scale of legacy systems."

Among sales in 2009 was a major contract from a multinational group which chose AES’ AspectETRM solution initially for its petroleum desk in London, then rolled it out in the US and the Far East before adding metals trading at the year end. Other signings included companies in Malaysia, SIngapore and Switzerland, together with 4 in the rapidly expanding West African market. There was also significant new business from bunkering companies in Asia and Germany.

During the year AES launched into the agricultural and metals commodities market and achieved an industry first with its real time market information application for the iPhone®. Also first with solutions for PDA, Smartphone and Blackberry® devices, AES is now the vendor with the most functional and complete mobile offering thanks largely to its flexible SaaS technology architecture.

"We're going into 2010 with a very strong order book and with yet more new solutions due for release. As we celebrate our tenth anniversary year I'm confident we'll build on the successes of 2009 and see the AES SaaS architecture make still further inroads into energy and commodities markets worldwide."