WebSideStory… Visual Sciences? HitBox 4.0!

WebSideStory officially changed its name to Visual Sciences — and released HitBox 4.0. The announcements come at the heals of Eric T. Peterson’s departure from the firm.

What’s interesting about HitBox is that it’s tapping into Web 2.0 analytics. HBX Analytics expands the dimensions of analysis beyond the tracking of basic Web sites to include the tracking of Web 2.0 technologies and content, such as streaming video and audio, RSS feeds and podcasts, to more fully analyze audience interaction.

This is pretty cool stuff and much needed. It’s also extremely expensive. There are lots of free and low-cost tools that are rolling out to measure social media, though perhaps not with the same depth. If you are in this Web 2.0 game for the millions, you probably need Hitbox 4.0 or something like it. If you are a cool cat with your own game going, you’ll do well with the freebies.