San Francisco-Based Company Helps Firms Analyze Web Site Visitor Behavior.

Byline: Heather Cocks

Jul. 10--For a chief executive, Brett Hurt doesn't have much to brag about in terms of his office -- it's messy and almost barren, except for a few half-opened boxes, two desks and a sheaf of papers near Hurt's laptop computer.

Hurt doesn't care about the interior aesthetics. Looking out at the stunning West Austin vista, Hurt's just thrilled he found a way to tie CoreMetrics Inc., his San Francisco-based company, to his hometown.

"We've got it really good," Hurt said "From being born and raised here, I know the engineering talent is top-notch and loyal, and we've got room here to grow."

CoreMetrics Inc. makes Web-based software for online retailers, helping them analyze how their visitors browse the site, what they buy and whether any of the site's advertisements enticed shoppers.

Hurt said the market for such software is expected to top $16 billion in 2002 -- a prospect that impressed investors enough to earn CoreMetrics $17 million in financing from Silicon Valley …