WebProNews

CMS Watch, which evaluates and reports on content-related technologies, has issued a report saying that Yahoo Web Analytics (formerly IndexTools) is better than Google Analytics in a number of key areas.

"Google Analytics made a name for itself by providing a no-cost, easy-to-use service," explained CMS Watch contributing analyst Phil Kemelor, "but it's no longer the only free analytics game in town."

Areas where Yahoo excels over Google according to CMS Watch include:

- Better access control options and simpler approach to multi-site analytics

- Larger default monthly page-view limits (200MM vs. 5MM - unless you have an active AdWords campaign)

- Access to traffic data: Both vendors retain the right to hold and use your web analytics data for their own purposes, but only Yahoo! gives you the ability to export out your raw, unaggregated data

- Longer historical availability of raw data

CMS Watch is quick to point out however, that Yahoo has its share of drawbacks, citing administrative complexity and lack of 24/7 tech support. A Yahoo Spokesperson tells me, "We're considering adding 24/7 technical support but haven't made a decision yet." So we'll see waht happens there.

"Ultimately, for some enterprises, neither Google nor Yahoo! makes a good fit, and those customers should consider fee-based web analytics solutions," says CMS Watch founder Tony Byrne.

Many users are still going to be attracted to that Google brand. Google Analytics gets far more play in the media and in the Blogosphere, and Google is frequently throwing out tips on how to better use its service. This might be a strategy Yahoo wants to consider if it intends to boost its own use.

Google makes frequent posts to the Google Analytics blog, which is linked to from the Google Analytics homepage. There is no blog link present from the Yahoo Web Analytics page.