BMC Software Inc. joined Alentis Corp. on Tuesday as the first strategic partner for Alentis.com, a Web site that aims to serve as a market maker for application service providers and their potential customers. BMC's products and content, including its Software OnSite certification, which analyzes 42 technology areas to ensure companies will receive the technology they are promised, will help equip Alentis.com visitors with tools to complete due diligence on prospective ASPs, the companies say.

One analyst says the partnership should lend credibility to the site, which was launched last week. "BMC has a terrific suite of measuring and analysis tools," says Bruce Roberson, director in the North American Technology Division at McKinsey & Co. "ASPs are building on BMC software and networking capabilities, and their customers are deploying their products as well." Having BMC as a site partner should help ensure that the site will provide an unbiased opinion about the multitude of ASPs in the market, Roberson says.

Under the agreement, the companies will also work together on sales, marketing, and other business opportunities.

The Alentis site is designed to serve as an independent source of content and expertise for companies looking to hire an ASP. Alentis plans to add other capabilities to the site during the next several months to will let buyers create personalized profiles and eventually accept online bidding for services.