Asset Management Tips

SHELTON, Conn., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Clayton Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLAY) , a leading provider of information-based analytics, consulting and outsourced services for capital markets firms, lending institutions, fixed income investors and loan servicers announced today that its special servicing unit, Quantum Servicing Corp. has been rated "average" by Standard & Poor's. This was the servicer's first rating since being added to the S&P Select Servicer List last April. The company earned a place on this select list after only 18 months of operation.

According to S&P, Quantum's initial rating is "based on the company's superior level of automation, an industry-experienced management team and its internal control and risk management environment." The report also mentions strong process management, thorough policies and procedures, a satisfactory (and developing) training regimen, and successful execution of strategic business initiatives. read more

Dell completes acquisition of ASAP Software for about $340 million. ASAP's software is used to manage software licensing, purchasing, renewals and compliance. Oct. 10, 2007: Dell announced its first service–Dell On-Demand Desktop Streaming–to ease desktop support for a cost of $1,100 per user. July 18, 2007: Dell announces plans to buy SilverBack Technologies, a service delivery platform for remote monitoring and management of infrastructure. Terms not disclosed.

Dell's challenge will be putting these services together into an offering that enterprise customers embrace. The emphasis on SaaS is a nice start since the mid-sized to small companies Dell is targeting don't want the hassles of a desktop client.

Monitor Dell's deals to see what's next, but the company seems determined to build out its software offerings. read more