Ellsoft announces the release of EMarketOffer 3.03. This release follows hard on the heels of a complete redevelopment of the package earlier in the year and significantly extends its functionality. Until now EMarketOffer’s powerflow engine has been a “black box” feature, used only for displaying indicative powerflows in historical scenarios. With version 3.03 this engine is opened up to allows detailed generation scenarios (Independent of generator offers) to be created and analysed for the effects of alternative generation patterns on for any given transmission system configuration

This release of EMarketOffer is completely developed using Microsoft’s .net platform and interfaces with electricity market data source and most commercial database management systems.

Ellsoft announces the initiation of a new cycle of development of its popular short range electricity marketing and forecasting package. The announcement follows a period of consultation with existing users of EMarketOffer to ensure the new package is focussed on the needs of the wholesale trading function.

In line with other recent developments the next generation of EMarketOffer will be fully converted to the Microsoft .net platform and will feature enhanced tools to visualise the half hourly operation of the electricity market. The energy trader, business analyst and schedule planner are all supported with advanced forecast creation and output data management tools, including powerful ‘what-if’ analysis features.

Following a carefully considered branding and marketing initiative Ellsoft launched their new website on the 14th of December 2004. The site highlights Ellsoft's focus as a software company providing high quality solutions to the international energy industry. The site clearly emphasises how Ellsoft can provide both packaged and bespoke solutions, and back these up with flexible and responsive support services.

Ellsoft worked closely with Brand Aid of Dunedin New Zealand to develop the company branding and web site concept. Brand Aid are specialists in developing and marketing corporate identities.

After some 18 months of intense work a third generation of our flagship market simulation tool has been released.

EMarket 3's advanced computational modelling, fast performance, and powerful, easy-to-use features make it the tool of choice for electricity market forecasting. EMarket 3 produces medium and long range forecasts by simulating the behaviour of the electricity market - an essential tool for:

• Risk evaluation
• Modelling studies
• Valuing generation
• Generation strategy development
• Strategic planning

• Greatly improved precision in water value calculation
• An enhanced set of flexible Output specifications modules
• Increased control over the setting of Input parameters in the forecast schedule
• Forecast schedule formula can now be entered in nearly all run parameter fields
• The Volatility Matrix feature, to allow fine control over forecast run volatility for in-built and user defined variables (uses a Monte Carlo series generator and Mean Reverting Jump Diffusion techniques)
• The Systems Definition feature enabling simultaneously change to a large number of runs and run parameters with little effort
• A standardising names feature that allows a number of different configurations for a generator to be prepared while ensuring that the generator (or company) is always given the same name in the Output data and forecast schedule Definitions
• Reports and Output Specifications can be created any time after simulation runs are completed

• Enhanced screen layout and navigation
• A new-look Output specification window featuring a 'tree view' control
• Enhanced system reporting and operational logging

• Working directories allow the user to create multiple, autonomous forecast environments for discrete projects
• The Archive Results function, essentially creating a library for results data in a working directory.
• Resources can now be imported and exported between different Resource files (see Importing Resources and Exporting Resources)

Ellsoft was formed in April 2004 from the software group of Energy Link. The parent company was founded in 1996 to meet the needs of energy traders facing increased risk in the deregulating New Zealand electricity market. Today, after years of steady growth, Energy Link provides independent forecasting, modelling and consulting services, and professional training services to deregulated electricity markets.

Following in the strong tradition of Energy Link we have produced the Ellsoft Forecast: We will maintain our pace of growth locally and internationally. We will leverage the strong backbone of experience gained in New Zealand's deregulated electricity market and our world-class software simulation and modelling expertise. We will build on the reputation of our products and services and continue delivering quality advice and reliable solutions to all our clients with integrity, and professionalism.