Thomson Financial, a unit of publishing giant The Thomson Corp., last week launched Thomson Credit Analysis. The new tool will be integrated into the Thomson ONE platform, which combines Thomson Datastream's encyclopedic databases with Thomson Financial's real-time market information. Thomson touts the new Credit Analysis offering as an "end-to-end workflow package" geared toward credit analysts, risk managers and multi-asset fund managers.

Thomson Credit Analysis enables users to view available bonds, credit default swaps and indices. With a listing of potential investments, they can find the terms and conditions of a particular bond and the credit ratios of its issuer. In addition to the screening tool and bond overview page, the new product also contains analytical and chart tools (scatter plots, maturity profiles and yield curves), fixed income calculators as well as European government and corporate bond prices from Thomson TradeWeb.

Again, Thomson is at the forefront of the latest trends. In this case, it's workflow integration. One reason Thomson is such a successful publishing house is that it reacts so effectively to market trends. Customers want the tools they need to accomplish their everyday tasks right at their fingertips (and the desktops) and that's exactly what Thomson provides. They don't need to search far for a solution, or solutions, for that matter. Thomson also makes sure its own products are fully integrated to bolster their effectiveness and the efficiency of the customers who use them. Note how Thomson Credit Analysis was built to blend into both Thomson ONE and Thomson TradeWeb. With every click of the mouse, users are reminded of the value their content and service provider brings to their office--and the financial marketplace.

PublicRoutes.com, an international directions-based Web resource, has expanded its geographic offerings to help users navigate public transportation in the Houston metropolitan area. The service improves on the current Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) Trip Planner by helping individuals who are traveling in this region. Working with the area's major transportation providers, PublicRoutes.com has incorporated advanced algorithms and GIS technology to create maps and directions using public transportation.

Users can easily get directions to local tourist attractions and any other destinations, as PublicRoutes.com takes into account which mode of transportation they are using (from public trains to bus). The service is free. In addition, the site offers local guides which are actually directories of local businesses and vendors that enable users to quickly create maps and directions to and from these establishments. PublicRoutes.com also offers its directions in 14 different languages. MyPublicRoute provides a more efficient and personalized experience for users by remembering previous locations entered by a user. Utilizing Travelocity technology, PublicRoutes.com also enables visitors to purchase airline tickets and make hotel reservations. Users can also access the site information on the road with PublicRoutes.com Mobile.

The timing of this product's availability couldn't be better. As gas prices continue to rise at a steady rate, people who never previously considered public transportation will possibly give it a second look. And those still filling their cars with gas want to conserve; and helping them find the most efficient routes to their destinations will be appreciated. By making itself part of a larger solution, PublicRoutes.com, which serves cities in the U.S. and UK, is certainly positioned to make an impact in today's economic climate and it will most likely continue to launch in different cities around the globe. It won't be surprising if local transportation agencies seek PublicRoutes.com out to help them build awareness and usage of their public transportation systems.