WebCriteria solves that problem by isolating the Web site and testing it off-line. Ranging from about 200 to 600 page views, it's what WebCriteria's experts say a visitor would see in up to 10 hours of browsing. The spider's data gathering is used to create a model of the site on WebCriteria's servers. Once created, Max enters the site and compares its experience with the best and the worst for that type of site. WebCriteria's chief moneymaker, its SiteProfile reports, compare a client's Web site with the best and worst in that customer's industry.
Customers can buy reports online, specifying one or two competitors for in-depth comparisons.
SiteProfile can also include benchmarks for the client's industry. Williamson says his researchers have put together about 20 industry benchmark packages and will have 40 online this summer. Max will soon have cousins. But a site actually feels different to different types of users. What we're trying to do is create 'calibrated persons' who can tell us exactly how specific groups will view a Web site.