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By Suzanna Kerridge, 26 June 2000 17:21

NEWS Troubled Dutch ERP company Baan has signalled its re-entry into the market with the release of a search and retrieval tool for internal corporate networks. The application, known as Baan Data Navigator, integrates with Baan ERP, Baan Front Office and Baan SCS Planner to enable companies to access intranets and extranets to gain information on sales data, inventory control, purchasing and other enterprise applications. Analysts claim the move is a positive sign in light of its recent negotiations for acquisition by Invensys. Baan shareholders vote on the proposed E762m (£476m) cash bid by Invensys at an extraordinary general meeting on 29 June. Invensys needs 95 per cent of shareholder approval to succeed. Dale Vile, senior analyst at Bloor Research, said: "It is very positive to see them bring something new to the market and it's very interesting that they have brought something that adds a great deal of value to the customer base. It is an upbeat sign that they are up and kicking and creating new value." He claimed it could renew the faith of existing customers in the company's future. "The customer base has been beaten up lately and many have at least questioned whether they are in a difficult situation as they move forward. A move like this sends a strong signal to those customers. This product is very important to consolidate ERP, especially as people think ERP is unfashionable," said Vile. Susan Clarke, senior researcher at the Butler Group, claimed the launch of Data Navigator paves the way for Baan to actively compete with rivals. "It is a significant and very positive sign. All the company's future is tied up in the acquisition and they offer a lot more to the customers with this product. It even puts them in a position to compete with SAP." However, Bloor's Vile claimed Baan had to build up customer confidence before it could successfully compete with SAP, JD Edwards or Oracle. Baan's troubles peaked when the company was given a three week deadline by the Amsterdam stock exchange to reach an equity position with its shares that would satisfy the Dutch AEX and its backers Fletcher International, or face expulsion. Baan was unavailable to comment.