Cint Becomes Lightspeed's Panel Technology Platform

Lightspeed has announced a major licensing partnership with panel exchange and management firm Cint, whose sample procurement tool Access Pro will replace its existing technology platform. The Kantar agency has also appointed Marc Ryan in the new role of Chief Data Officer.

Lightspeed, which says it wants to modernise how it buys and manages data, will use Cint's Engage software to manage its proprietary double-opt-in (DOI) panels and blend usage with the programmatic marketplace when appropriate; and use Cint's Private Network capabilities to on-board and consolidate some existing sources in its direct private-pricing deals.

As a result, clients should find it easier to choose from a wider variety of quality data sources based on timing and pricing needs, according to Lightspeed. The deal will also make it easier to append other data to insights projects, for example data from Millward Brown's ad effectiveness work. Cint is already a partner in Lightspeed's Gravity Network, which taps selected data companies to provide 'a vastly larger pool than traditionally sourced Double Opt-In (DOI) research panels alone'.

The new Chief Data Officer will oversee platform strategy in areas including programmatic, DOI, mobile, ID management, and data acquisition; as well as marshalling engineering resources. Ryan joins from Kantar Millward Brown, where he helped develop the Ignite Network as Chief Product and Innovation Officer. Earlier, he was a VP at Nielsen Online and co-CEO at InsightExpress.

Lightspeed's Global CEO Caroline Frankum (pictured) comments: 'Clients want to find truth through data, but increasing pressures on time and budget mean they also need faster, more flexible and cost-effective options for their insights projects. This shift allows us to alleviate these pressures by removing some of the complexities involved in effectively exploring, cross-referencing and validating key sources in today's data landscape'. Cint CEO Tom Buehlmann says the partnership is 'transformational' and adds: 'Cint's platform and solutions will be seamlessly implemented into Lightspeed's ways of working and increase automation and efficiency. We see great potential for this partnership and are excited for what the future holds'.

Lightspeed is based in Warren, NJ and has 700 employees in 14 countries. The firms are online at www.lightspeedresearch.com and www.cint.com .|

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.