To do so, he said, the trick is to give companies a taste of how their competitors have profited from business on the exchange. But that isn't always so easy. A lot of them see ChemConnect as a real competitive advantage - one that they want to keep quiet about. The company is also moving from fee-based to subscription pricing, and hasn't given up on taking the company public down the road. Until then, Robinson said the company has sufficient cash on hand.
Analysts agree that a volatile market can make Web-based transactions more attractive.
Recent volatility in the energy market reinforces the need for resources that provide transparent pricing, product liquidity and global opportunities that shape the market. However, Wall Street remains a barrier, particularly with the big bear prowling the stock market these days, noted another industry analyst. Chemconnect runs its World Chemical Exchange for members to buy and sell standard, bulk petrochemical products at major trading hubs through its Commodities Floor.