BUSINESS software group Access has expanded its offer with the acquisition of French-based business intelligence specialist Prelytis.

The deal, the value of which has not been disclosed, adds HTML 5 softwware to the Access product portfolio.

And the company, based at Stratford St Mary, on the Suffolk-Essex border between Ipswich and Colchester, says the acquisition marks the first in a series of moves into the SaaS (software as a service) marketplace as part of its strategy for the era of “cloud” computing.

Access chief executive Chris Bayne said that Prelytis’s LiveDashBoard, already used by 300 customers, would offer Access clients a new dimension for viewing management information.

“Our users will benefit hugely from being able to see their real-time business information anytime, anywhere and on whatever platform they choose: laptop, smart phone, tablet or desktop,” he said. “Easy-to-use analytics put power into the user’s own hands and provide strong data access and integration capabilities.”

Alexandre Schneider, chief executive at Prelytis, added: “By joining forces with Access we bring the LiveDashBoard opportunity to the thousands of customers that Access already serves, and introduce Access’ business management software to our existing user base.

“Access and Prelytis are a fabulous fit in terms of innovation, technology and people. It’s an exciting time for both companies.”

Prelytis is based in Paris and has offices in London and Singapore. Its customers include ADP and Johnson Controls.