MagicQuadrantforBusinessAnalytics

Services,Worldwide
17July2014ID:G00248701
Analyst(s):AlexSoejarto,NeilChandler

VIEWSUMMARY
Consultingandsystemintegrationcompaniesaredeliveringanalyticssolutionsforclients'information
analysisandinformationmanagementneeds.Buyersofservicesexpectbroadsupportforinformation
relatedstrategies.Weprofile17ofthelargestcompaniesthatoffertheseservices.

MarketDefinition/Description
Thisdocumentwasrevisedon21July2014.Thedocumentyouareviewingisthecorrectedversion.For
moreinformation,seetheCorrectionspageongartner.com.
ThisnewMagicQuadrantevaluatesfullserviceprovidersforabroadrangeofimplementationservices
acrossmultiplebusinessanalytics(BA)engagements.ClientscanusethisMagicQuadranttohelpidentify
andevaluatetheprovidersofabroadrangeofBAservicesfortheirorganization.Businessanalytics
servicesencompassdecisionmanagementcapabilities,analyticscapabilitiesandinformationmanagement
(IM)capabilities.ThisMagicQuadrantisnotsuitableforclientslookingforbestofbreedserviceproviders
foraspecificmodule,applicationorindustry.GartnerdocumentscoveringCRMservices,Oracleservices,
SAPservices,supplychainservicesandtestingservicesarebettersuitedforsuchpurposes.
TherearehundredsofservicepartnersworldwideofferingBAservices.ThisMagicQuadrantassesses17
oftheleadingproviders.Eachproviderhasitsownstrengthsandweaknesses,andeachismoresuitable
forsometypesofengagementsandsomeclients/industriesthanothers.Manycapableproviders,not
includedinthisstudyduetoourinclusioncriteriaandmethodology,maybeabetterfitforspecificBA
implementationprojects,dependingonmodule,resourcingobjectives,sizeofproject,geographyand
otherfactors.
BAsolutionservicesincludeprofessionalservicesofferingstooptimizeanenterprise'sprocessesand
integraterelatedtechnology,applicationsandplatforms,whichincludeapplicationrelatedworkinorderto
enableBAsystemsthroughinformationanalysisandIMinitiatives.Theseserviceofferingsinclude
consultingandimplementation(strategy,design,develop,deploy),aswellasmanagementandsupport
forspecificprocesses,functions,applicationsorinitiativesinuserorganizations.Theyincludeprogram
strategyanddefinition,datapreparation,toolandapplicationevaluationandselection,program
development(implementation),training,scientificmethodfordiscoveryandexploration,engineering
solutionsforaccess(monitoring),analyzinginformation(datause),governanceofinformation(data
management),organizationalchange(peopleandprocesses),IToperationsmanagement,andmanaged
servicesforcommercialandproprietaryplatforms.Solutionservicesprovideeffectivealignmentand
integrationbasedontheGartnerBusinessAnalyticsFramework.
ThisnewMagicQuadrantevaluatesprovidersspecificallyontheexecutionofconsultingand
implementationservices,anditalsoevaluatesthetotalvisionprovidedforBAsolutions.
Inadditiontodevelopingcapabilityforthebreadthofskillsrequiredandestablishingaresourcing
strategy,providersoflargescaleimplementationsofBAsolutionshaveabroadanddiversesetof
capabilities,whichmaycovermultipledomainsalongwithmultipleservicecompetenciesandcentersof
excellence(suchasbusinessconsulting,technologyconsulting,enterprisearchitecture,information
architecture,design,onsiteservices,remoteservices,testing,infrastructureintegration,change
managementandtraining).Insuchcases,abuyerwillhavesubsidiariesinothergeographiesthatwillbe
includedinthecoverageofthebusinessanalyticsprogram.Manysuchimplementationsdealwithprocess
issuestosupportthebusinessoperationalandtacticaldecisionsacrossproducts,customersandsuppliers,
aswellasstrategicdecisionsacrossbusinessunitsandgeographies.
AdefiningfactorinthisMagicQuadrantisthatserviceprovidersdemonstratetheabilitytoimplementBA
solutionsthatbuildupontheproductsinthemarketforsolutionsdirectedatspecificbusinessoutcomes.
Thus,havingaportfolioofproductoptionseitheraspartnershipsorasproprietaryintellectualproperty
matters.Additionally,breadthofcapability,domain,process,technical/productexpertiseandgeographic
coveragearekeydifferentiators,asareprogrammanagement,changemanagementandgovernance.
ThisMagicQuadrantnotesconsultingandsystemintegrationprovidersforinnovationinpricing,suchas
withoutcomebasedproposalsindustryorfunctionalspecializationandtheuseofinnovativebusiness
models,bestpractices,methodologiesandapproaches.Gartnerhasalsoidentifiedandcontinuestotrack

STRATEGICPLANNINGASSUMPTIONS
By2017,analyticsapplicationsofferedbysoftware
vendorswillbeindistinguishablefromanalytics
applicationsofferedbyserviceproviders.
By2017,buyerswillhaveshiftedasmuchas50%of
theirsourcingportfoliotomanagedservicemodels.
By2017,cognitiveartificialintelligence(AI)
technologywillintegrateintobusinessprocessesand
willreplace30%ofbusinessconsultingresources.

EVALUATIONCRITERIADEFINITIONS
AbilitytoExecute
Product/Service:Coregoodsandservicesofferedby
thevendorforthedefinedmarket.Thisincludes
currentproduct/servicecapabilities,quality,feature
sets,skillsandsoon,whetherofferednativelyor
throughOEMagreements/partnershipsasdefinedin
themarketdefinitionanddetailedinthesubcriteria.
OverallViability:Viabilityincludesanassessmentof
theoverallorganization'sfinancialhealth,thefinancial
andpracticalsuccessofthebusinessunit,andthe
likelihoodthattheindividualbusinessunitwillcontinue
investingintheproduct,willcontinueofferingthe
productandwilladvancethestateoftheartwithinthe
organization'sportfolioofproducts.
SalesExecution/Pricing:Thevendor'scapabilitiesin
allpresalesactivitiesandthestructurethatsupports
them.Thisincludesdealmanagement,pricingand
negotiation,presalessupport,andtheoverall
effectivenessofthesaleschannel.
MarketResponsiveness/Record:Abilitytorespond,
changedirection,beflexibleandachievecompetitive
successasopportunitiesdevelop,competitorsact,
customerneedsevolveandmarketdynamicschange.
Thiscriterionalsoconsidersthevendor'shistoryof
responsiveness.
MarketingExecution:Theclarity,quality,creativity
andefficacyofprogramsdesignedtodeliverthe
organization'smessagetoinfluencethemarket,
promotethebrandandbusiness,increaseawareness
oftheproducts,andestablishapositiveidentification
withtheproduct/brandandorganizationintheminds
ofbuyers.This"mindshare"canbedrivenbya
combinationofpublicity,promotionalinitiatives,
thoughtleadership,wordofmouthandsalesactivities.
CustomerExperience:Relationships,productsand
services/programsthatenableclientstobesuccessful
withtheproductsevaluated.Specifically,thisincludes
thewayscustomersreceivetechnicalsupportor
accountsupport.Thiscanalsoincludeancillarytools,
customersupportprograms(andthequalitythereof),
availabilityofusergroups,servicelevelagreements
andsoon.
Operations:Theabilityoftheorganizationtomeet
itsgoalsandcommitments.Factorsincludethequality
oftheorganizationalstructure,includingskills,
experiences,programs,systemsandothervehicles
thatenabletheorganizationtooperateeffectivelyand
efficientlyonanongoingbasis.
CompletenessofVision
MarketUnderstanding:Abilityofthevendorto
understandbuyers'wantsandneedsandtotranslate
thoseintoproductsandservices.Vendorsthatshow
thehighestdegreeofvisionlistentoandunderstand
buyers'wantsandneeds,andcanshapeorenhance

atrendtowardassetbaseddeliverybyconsultingandsystemintegrationproviders.Thistrend
incorporatesamultitudeofdiverseusecasesandintellectualproperty,includingcloudoronpremises
solutionspackagedapplicationsandtoolkitsmanagedservicesandbusinessprocessoutsourcingand
bestpracticeprocesses.

MagicQuadrant
Figure1.MagicQuadrantforBusinessAnalyticsServices,Worldwide

thosewiththeiraddedvision.
MarketingStrategy:Aclear,differentiatedsetof
messagesconsistentlycommunicatedthroughoutthe
organizationandexternalizedthroughthewebsite,
advertising,customerprogramsandpositioning
statements.
SalesStrategy:Thestrategyforsellingproductsthat
usestheappropriatenetworkofdirectandindirect
sales,marketing,service,andcommunication
affiliatesthatextendthescopeanddepthofmarket
reach,skills,expertise,technologies,servicesandthe
customerbase.
Offering(Product)Strategy:Thevendor'sapproach
toproductdevelopmentanddeliverythatemphasizes
differentiation,functionality,methodologyandfeature
setsastheymaptocurrentandfuturerequirements.
BusinessModel:Thesoundnessandlogicofthe
vendor'sunderlyingbusinessproposition.
Vertical/IndustryStrategy:Thevendor'sstrategy
todirectresources,skillsandofferingstomeetthe
specificneedsofindividualmarketsegments,including
verticalmarkets.
Innovation:Direct,related,complementaryand
synergisticlayoutsofresources,expertiseorcapital
forinvestment,consolidation,defensiveorpre
emptivepurposes.
GeographicStrategy:Thevendor'sstrategytodirect
resources,skillsandofferingstomeetthespecific
needsofgeographiesoutsidethe"home"ornative
geography,eitherdirectlyorthroughpartners,
channelsandsubsidiariesasappropriateforthat
geographyandmarket.

Source:Gartner(July2014)

VendorStrengthsandCautions
Accenture
AccentureispositionedintheLeadersquadrant.AccentureAnalytics,partofAccentureDigital,provides
thefullscopeofanalyticssolutionsandservicesforitsclients.Gartnerestimatesthatin2013,the
companyhadapproximately$2.5billioninglobalBAservicerevenueandapproximately17,000BA
professionals.
Strengths
Accentureisexpandingitsexecutioncapabilitythroughinvestmentsfordatamanagement
scientists,analyticsassetsandinnovationcentersfiveofwhichareexclusivelydedicatedto
advancedanalyticsalladdingtoitsdepthandscaleforlargeengagementsandcomplex
informationanalysisandIMissues.
Accenture'sabilitytooffersolutionsforitsmajorindustrysegmentsofcommunications,mediaand
technologyfinancialserviceshealthandpublicserviceandproductsandresourcesininformation
analysisandIMrepresentssignificantbreadthinthemarket.
Accenturehasbuiltoutabroadportfolioofindustryspecificanalytics,crossindustryanalyticsand
reportingsolutions.
Cautions
Accentureclientssometimesindicatebothcostandstaffingconcerns,sothecompanymustensure
thatclients'financialexpectationsaresetappropriatelyattheenvisioningstageandthatasprojects
flowtowardimplementationandhandover,continuityandprojectmanagementarecarefully
handled.
Accentureispotentiallymoresuitedtolargerenterprises,assmallerclientsciteconcernsabout
absorbingthefullspectrumapproachthatisthestrengthofAccenture'spractice.

Atos

AtosispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.Atos'globalbusinessintelligence(BI)andIMpractice
supportsanalyticssolutionsacrossallitsindustryoffers.Gartnerestimatesthatin2013,thecompany
hadmorethan$480millioninglobalBAservicerevenueandmorethan3,500dedicatedBAprofessionals
globally.
Strengths
Atoshasabroadbaseoftalentandinnovationcenters,withfiveinEuropeandoneinIndiaand
R&Dcentersdedicatedtoitsindustryservicelinesoffinancialservices,retail,manufacturing,
government,healthcare,transport,telecommunications,andenergyandutilities.Theseareaimed
atpersonalanalytics(forCRM)andenterprisedataanalytics(forERP).
InadditiontotheAtosBIandIMpractice,AtoshasjointinvestmentwithSiemensforindustrial
dataanalyticssolutionsthatservetobridgeITandoperationaltechnologyBAneeds.
Atos'sweetspotiswithEuropeanorganizationsmodernizingtheirBA,withastrengthinloyalty
analytics,energyusageoptimization,andsurveillancesolutionsforpublicsafetyandtraffic,aswell
asinformationinfrastructure.AtoshascapabilitiesforSAP,Oracle,Microsoft,IBM,Teradata,EMC
andPivotalandskillsaroundspecializedBI/analyticsvendorsQlik,Tableau,SASandBlueYonder.
Cautions
AtosisstillintegratingitsglobalpracticeandclientsoutsideofEurope,whereclientswillfindamore
limitedportfolioofskills.
AtoscontinuestobroadenitsconsultingforBA,butitsoffershaveyettofullybeintegratedwithits
BIandIMpractice.
Atosclientssometimesreportchallengeswithmatchingprojectquotetoexecutiontimelinebut
indicatethatAtosisquicktoreactaschangerequestsareneededandisflexibleinstaffingto
achieveprojectscope.

Capgemini
CapgeminiispositionedintheChallengersquadrant.Capgemini'sBusinessInformationManagement
(BIM)practicedevelopsitsanalyticssolutionsacrossitsbusinessserviceofferings.Gartnerestimatesthat
in2013,thecompanyhadmorethan$1billioninglobalBAservicerevenueandmorethan9,000
professionals.
Strengths
Capgeminihasextendeditsfocusonanalyticsfurther,developingitsglobalcenterofexcellencein
Mumbai,whereitshowcasestheCustomerBIMExperience(CUBE)todemonstratealltheleading
analyticsandbigdatatechnologiesandmorethan100virtualmachinesascloudinfrastructure.
CapgeminihasaddedinnovationtoitsBIMpractice,especiallyinbigdata,leveragingSAPHana,
Pivotal,OracleExalyticsandCloudera.Thecompanyhasalsocreatedassetbasedofferings,suchas
itsDigitalTransformationFramework,XtremeAppsforRetailusingSAPHana,ElasticAnalyticsfor
bigdataandanalyticsintheAmazoncloud,andTrouveforcompliance,fraudanderror.
Capgeminihasafullservicecapabilitybasedacrossallindustriesbuthasaspecificfocusonenergy
andutilities,consumerproductsandretail,thepublicsector,financialservices,andtelecom.
Cautions
Capgeminiisstillgrowingitscapabilitiesforbusinessconsultingglobally,andthisareaofthepractice
islessresourcedoutsideEuropethanitstechnicalandimplementationexpertise.Capgemini
referencescitedsomeperformanceissueswithitsprojectmanagementandchangemanagement
skills.CapgeminiisaglobalcompanybuthasalargerproportionofitsrevenuefromEMEAthanthe
U.S.U.S.basedcompaniesshould,therefore,ensurethatCapgeminihassufficientdepthof
consultinglocally.

CGI
CGIispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.CGI'sBIandBigDataAnalyticspracticedevelopsits
analyticssolutionsacrossitssolutionportfolioofferings.Gartnerestimatesthatin2013,thecompany
hadmorethan$450millioninglobalBAservicerevenueandabout3,000professionals.
Strengths
CGIhasstrategicallianceinitiativeswithIBM,Informatica,Oracle,SAP,ClouderaandHortonworks.
AnditsportfoliobreadthforserviceofferingsisincreasingwithpartnershipsthatincludeElite
AnalyticsandCXAnalytics.
CGIhaskeyofferingsinBAthatincludetechnologyadoption,governanceandchange
managementcreditandcustomerexperiencemanagementBAfortax,benefitsandERPnext
generationIMandpatientcareanalytics.ThesesolutionsarebasedonCGImethodologiesand
frameworksthatprovideconsistentsolutiondelivery.
CGIhasfocuseditssolutiondevelopmentforthepublicsector,financialservices,telecomand
healthcareindustries,whereithasthebroadestportfolioofBAsolutions.
Cautions
CGIcontinuestoglobalizeitsBApracticeinconsistencyoftools,methodologiesandsolutions,which
willdrivemoreconsistencyinglobalcapabilities.
CGIclientsindicateleadershipanddirectionfromCGI'sprojectteamscanbeinconsistentforBA
implementations.

Cognizant
CognizantispositionedintheChallengersquadrant.Cognizant'sGlobalEnterpriseIMandAnalytics
practiceconsistsofamajorityofprofessionalswhoarebasedinglobaldeliverycenters,andithasa
growingbaseoflocalconsultants.GartnerestimatesthatglobalBArevenueexceeded$1.5billionin
2013,withmorethan9,000analyticsprofessionals.
Strengths
Cognizanthasastrongengagementandgotomarketfocusbaseduponservingspecificmarket
regionsandhighgrowthclientsandareas,coupledwithstrongcustomerfocus,globaldelivery
processesandframeworks.Thisfocusincorporatesthefinancialservices,healthcare,lifesciences,
manufacturing,retail,media/entertainmentandcommunicationsindustrieswithproductsand
solutions,aswellasamoregenericfocusonthechiefdataofficer.
Cognizanthasbuiltakeyportfolioofanalyticsassets,includingmorethan15solutionsacross150
clientsforCognizantBusinessCloudandmorethan20IPbasedanalyticssolutionsacrossvertical
andbusinessfunctions.ThecompanyhasaddedtheBigDecisionsBusinessSolutionPlatformto
addressuniversaldatamanagement.
Cognizanthasanewengagementmodelandanalyticsconceptcalled"CodeHalo"toalignclient
requirementsforanalyticswithsoftware,sensornetworksandpredictiveanalytics.
Cautions
Cognizantisfocusedoncertainindustriesandgeographiesandisthereforesuitedtosome,butnot
all,clients.
ClientreferencesforCognizantraisedissuesoveritsbusinessconsultingandchangemanagement
capabilities.
Cognizant'sglobaldeliverymodelapproachmeansthatasignificantproportionofthe
implementationresourcesareinIndia,offeringlowcost,butvariablequality,resourceswhile
investmentsinspecializeddeliverycentersareunderway.

CSC
CSCispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.TheCSCBigDataandAnalyticspracticeisanew
approachtoprovidingBAservices,andGartnerestimatesthatglobalBArevenueexceeded$320million
in2013withmorethan2,400professionalsglobally.
Strengths
CSCisproactiveinsuggestingabroadrangeofpricingmodelstoclientsbeyondtimeandmaterials
andfixedpriceasanimportantconsiderationtodemonstratethevalueitdeliversfromitsBA
solutions.
CSCclientsaregenerallysatisfiedwiththevaluedeliveredforitsBAsolutionsforlargercontracts,
whereabreadthofcapabilitiescanbeleveragedinaprogram.
CSChasabroadcoverageofindustriesandfocusesonfinancialservices,healthcare,manufacturing
andpublicsectorsolutionsforBAwithfournextgenerationdeliverycentersforBAlocatedinthe
U.S.,U.K.andIndia.
Cautions
CSCclientssometimesindicateongoingissueswithturnoverandretentionofkeyresources,
particularlyduetoongoingreorganizationandrealignmentoftheBigDataandAnalyticspractice.
CSC'smaincustomerbaseisinNorthAmericaandNorthernEuropethecompanyhaslimitedscale
inotherregionsforbroaderscopeBAprograms.
CSCclientsindicatetheywouldlikemoreconsultingandadvisoryservicesfromthefirmandCSC's
businessconsulting,datascienceconsultingandplatformconsultingservicesareservicelinesthat
areaddressingsuchconcerns.

Deloitte
DeloitteispositionedintheLeadersquadrant.Deloitteisaglobalaccounting,tax,consultingandadvisory
firmwithabroadITservicesportfolio.GartnerestimatesthatDeloitteAnalyticsgeneratedapproximately
$2.1billioninglobalBAservicerevenuein2013,with9,000professionals.
Strengths
Deloittehasdevelopedabreadthofanalyticsaccelerators,includinganalyticsvaluemaps,target
operatingmodels,rapidsolutionprototypingandfacilitatedstrategyworkshopsthroughitsglobal
networkofDeloitteGreenhouses.
DeloittehasbuiltabreadthofBAofferingsandintellectualpropertyforindustryspecificsolutionsin
aerospace,automotive,banking,consumerpackagedgoods,insurance,lifesciences,mediaand
entertainment,oilandgas,industrialproducts,retail,andstategovernment.Deloittehasbuilta
portfolioofanalyticallyenabledsolutionsandassetsinsectorsthatincludebanking,consumer
products,insurance,healthcare,industrialproducts,lifesciences,mediaandentertainment,oiland
gas,thepublicsector,andretail.
Deloitteclientsindicatethatconsultantshavegoodapplication,technicalandprocessknowledge
thatcomplementsitssolidprogrammanagementandchangemanagementcapabilities.
Cautions

Deloitteclientsindicatethatinsomeinstances,itsglobalcapabilitiesarenotconsistentwith
expectations,especiallywhenlocalresourcesarerequiredthisinconsistencymayincreaseproject
costsasglobalresourcingbecomesanecessity.
Deloitteclientscontinuetocitepremiummarketpricingasaperceivedchallengehowever,Deloitte
hasglobalcapabilitiesandassetstomanagepricing,aswellasofferingarangeofpricingmodels.

EY
EYispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.EYisaglobalorganizationofmemberfirmsproviding
assurance,taxandtechnologyservices.GartnerestimatesthatEYBusinessAnalyticsgenerated
approximately$1billioninglobalBAservicerevenuein2013,with3,600professionalsacrossits
advisory,assurance,transactionandtaxservicelines.
Strengths
EYfocusesonits"valuedriven"analyticsapproach,whichincludesastrongfocusonfinancial
management,riskmanagement,fraudandforensicsEYhas40forensicslabs.
EYisgrowingitsglobaldeliveryresourcestoover10%ofitsconsultantbasethroughitsBAcenters
ofexcellenceforIM,performancemanagementandanalytics.
EYhasmaderecentacquisitionstoexpanditssupplychainanalytics,digitalmarketinganalyticsand
performancemanagementanalyticscompetencies,whichcomplementclientexpectationsfor
continuedexpertiseforprocessefficiency.EYBAgoestomarketprimarilyinthepublicsector,
financialservices,manufacturingandutilityindustries,with275solutionacceleratorsandtoolkits
fordataquality,datamanagement,modeldevelopmentandvalidation.
Cautions
EYclientssometimesindicatethatEYispricedhighinthemarketthepricingresultsfromhigher
proportionsofseasonedconsultingresourcesontheteam,whichareindicativeofthecomplexityof
theanalyticsprojectsitdelivers.
EYisfocusedonbuildinganalyticsbreadthhowever,todayitsIMservicesarenotasrobustas
marketplaceexpectations,intermsofgeographyandproductsforabroadBAportfolio.EYcontinues
toexpandthescopeandscaleofitsanalyticsservices,includinginvestinginitsIMservices.

HPES
HPispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.HPisaglobaltechnologyandoutsourcingcompanywith
headquartersintheU.S.HPAnalyticsandDataManagementServicesisagroupoftheEnterprise
Services(ES)division.Gartnerestimatesthatthecompanygeneratedapproximately$750millionin
globalBAservicerevenuein2013,with5,000professionals.
Strengths
HPhasastrongheritageincomplexdatamanagementandintegrationandaparticularfocusonthe
telecom,airlines,healthcare,retailandbankingindustries.HPhasfocusedasakeyproviderofBig
DataDiscoveryExperienceandHAVEnHP'sbigdataplatformandappliedanalyticssolutions.
HPhasmadeIMandanalyticsastrategicpriority,declaringcloud,security,mobilityandinformation
optimizationaskeystrategicgrowthareas.
HPEnterpriseServiceshasglobalscalewithfivecoreconsultingcenters(theU.S.,Italy,theU.K.,
GermanyandJapan)withnineadditionalindustrializedglobaldeliverycentersthatinclude1,200
advancedstatisticalandmathematicalprofessionals.
Cautions
HPisfocusedonbigdataandlargeIMtypeengagements.Hence,HPmaynotbethebestsuitedto
allanalyticsengagements,especiallythoseinvolvingpackagedapplicationinitiativesinanalytics.
HPhasabreadthofanalyticscapabilityacrossdifferentpartsofthecompany,suchasHPLabsand
HPESindustrygroups,butneedstodemonstratetoclientsthatHPhasaconsistentandclearglobal
capabilityasitleveragesexpertiseintosolutionofferings.
HPisoverlyreliantoncustombuiltBAsolutionsbothininformationanalysisandIMandis
beginningtobringitsreusableassetsorplatformstoclientsfocusingonoutcomesofsolutions.

IBMGBS
IBMGlobalBusinessServices(GBS)ispositionedintheLeadersquadrant.IBMGBShasestablisheda
StrategyandAnalyticsgroupthathousesintegratedbusinessstrategy,experiencedesign,andanalytics
solutionsandservicesforitsclients.Gartnerestimatesthecompanyhadapproximately$3.5billionin
globalBAservicerevenueandapproximately15,000professionalsgloballyin2013.
Strengths
IBMStrategyandAnalyticsnowcombinescapabilitiesfromitsStrategyandTransformation,
BusinessAnalyticsandOptimization(BAO),andIBMInteractivepracticeareastoaddressemerging
digitalbusinessneedsthatorganizationsface.
IBMStrategyandAnalyticsisthecoreBAgroup,whichclientsindicatehasabreadthoftechnical,
analyticalandprocesscapabilitiesacrossfivedomainsandalargenumberofindustrieswithover60
usecases(whichcombineverticalanddomainexpertiseandcontentwithIBMsoftwareand
hardware).
IBMStrategyandAnalyticscontinuestoinvestin"upskilling"consultantsthroughhighlevelsof
talentinvestmentfordatascience,mobile,cloudandcognitiveorientedteams.Thisinvestment,

coupledwithanetworkofBAcentersandglobaldelivery,givesitafullbreadthofanalyticsandIM
services.
Cautions
IBMStrategyandAnalyticsclientsoccasionallycitechallengesinexecutingprojectsbecauseof
turnover,justintimeresourcingorunavailabilityoflocalstafftherefore,clientsneedtoassess
individualassignmentscloselyandtheflexibilityofIBMStrategyandAnalyticswhenmanaging
throughresourcingissues.
IBMStrategyandAnalyticsclientssometimesindicateslowresponsivenesstodirectional
adjustmentsandchangerequestsduetoIBM'sinternalprocesses,whichcansometimesmake
resourceaccessfromcertainregionsorexpertiseareascumbersome.

Infosys
InfosysispositionedintheChallengersquadrant.InfosysisaconsultingandITservicesproviderbasedin
India,servingabroadmixofindustries.ThecompanydeliversBAthroughitsInformationTransformation
globalpracticeviafourcentersofexcellence.GartnerestimatesthatitsglobalBArevenuein2013was
approximately$780millionsupportedby9,000professionals.
Strengths
Infosyshasafocusonanalyticsandhasmadesignificantinvestmentsinscalingforglobaldelivery
throughmorethan9,000BAprofessionals,includingmorethan500consultantsanddata
scientists.Itsacquisitions,suchasLodestone,havebolsteredglobalmanagementconsulting
capabilitiesthatstrengthencomplementaryBAareas.
Infosyshasaparticularemphasisonindustries,includingfinancialservices,manufacturing,retail
andconsumerpackagedgoods.Ithasfourcentersofexcellenceshowcasinginformationsolutions
forbigdata,SAPHana,socialanalytics,andadvancedvisualizationanddatavirtualization.
Infosyshasparticularstrengthinthebreadthofitsmorethan30technologyalliances.Theirfocus
onlargeestablishedplayers,aswellassmallnicheplayers,providesagoodmixofscalabilityand
innovation.
InfosyshasestablishedaportfolioofEdgeapplicationframeworks(TradeEdge,BrandEdge,
BigDataEdge,AssistEdge,ProcureEdgeandInteractEdge)focusedonamixoffunctionaland
industryspecificanalyticsassetsthathelpacceleratesolutiontimetovalue.
Cautions
SomeInfosysreferencesciteexecutionissuesrelatedtoculturalfitandchangemanagementskills.
TheseissuespointtogapsinInfosys'rolloutofnewercapabilitiesacrosssomeareasofthebusiness.
Infosyshasasignificantcustomerbase(morethan400customers),buttheseareprimarilyinthe
U.S.andU.K.Otherwise,ithaslimitedpresenceforBAinEMEAandotherregions.
Duetoitslargeoffshoringimplementationexpertise,Infosysissuitedtomoretraditionallarger
deploymentsratherthansmallermoreagileones.

KPMG
KPMGispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.KPMGisaglobalnetworkofprofessionalfirmsproviding
audit,advisoryandtaxservices.TheKPMGDataandAnalyticsbusinesshasaligneditscapabilitiesof
managementadvisoryandconsultingservicesintoregionalpracticesforEMEAandtheU.S.Gartner
estimatesthatin2013,thecompanygeneratedapproximately$650millioninglobalBAservicerevenue
andhasabout3,500professionals.
Strengths
KPMG'sinformationcentricpolicytakesanissuedrivenandoutcomefocusedapproachtoclient
businessneedswithexpertiseinfinancialservices,insurance,energyandnaturalresources,
healthcare,industrialmanufacturing,technology,mediaandtelecom.
KPMGhasmadeacquisitionstoexpandcapabilitiesfordataandanalytics(LinkAnalytics)aswellas
digitalandmobile(CynergySystems).
KPMGhasestablishedaclearstrategytoexpanditsanalyticsservicesorganicallyandinorganically
viaKPMGLighthouse(centerofexcellencewithcoreskillsandestablishingforassetsandinsights)
andKPMGCapital(foracquisitionsandinvestments).
Cautions
KPMG'sorganizationismorefragmentedanditsanalyticscapabilitylesswellestablishedthansome
ofitscompetitors.KPMGiswellsuitedtoclientsthatareautomatinganalyticsaspartofKPMG
consultingcapabilities,suchasforensicaccounting.
KPMG'sanalyticsstrategyincorporatedmorethan100toolkitsbutdoesnotincorporatepackaged
assetbasedanalytics.Therefore,clientsshouldanticipatethatconsultingwillbemorecustombuilt
innatureitmayprovideaperfectfitbutincreasetimescalesandcosts.
KPMGdoesnotalwayshavetheresourcestoprovideimplementationsandthereforesubcontractsto
otherimplementers.Incertaincases,KPMGsubcontractsimplementationswithIBMorTata
ConsultancyServices(TCS).

NTTData
NTTDataispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.NTTDatahasbeenexpandingaggressivelythrough
multiplestrategicacquisitionsandaddingglobalcapabilitytocomplementitsJapan/Asiabusiness.NTT

Data'sBusinessAnalyticspracticeisalignedwithglobalservicelinesthatincludeareassuchasBIand
advancedanalysis.Gartnerestimatesthatthecompanygeneratedapproximately$475millioninglobal
BAservicerevenuein2013andhasover3,000professionals.
Strengths
NTTDatahasachievedparityinresourcebalanceinJapan/Asia,EMEA,NorthAmericaand
supportingoffshoredeliverycenters.Thisprovidesforlocalcustomersupportsupplementedby
globaldeliverywhereneeded.
NTTDatahasestablishedbreadthacross12industrieswithmajorindustrysegmentsof
manufacturing,telecom,finance,insurance,healthcareandgovernment.
NTTDatahasastrongconcentrationofexpertiseinBAsolutionsforSAP,complementingstrengths
initsglobalSAPbusiness,whichincludesafullsuiteofSAPtoolsandaccelerators.
Cautions
NTTDatahasabroadportfoliooftechnicalexperiencebutstillneedstoachievecriticalmassand
depthinkeyBAproducts.
NTTDataclientssometimesindicatealackinitssoftskillandestimationmethodology.
NTTDataisinvestinginmethodologyandtrainingforprojectmanagement,butclientssometimes
indicatemoreneedstobedonetoimproveprojectteamconsistency.

PwC
PwCispositionedintheChallengersquadrant.PwCisaglobalnetworkofmemberfirmsoffering
assurance,taxandadvisoryservices.PwChasestablishedaglobalBAgrouptocentralizeandscaleits
expertiseacrosssolutions.Gartnerestimatesthecompanygeneratedapproximately$1.6billioninglobal
BAservicerevenuein2013andhasabout5,300professionalsforBAservices.
Strengths
PwCleveragesaglobal"hubandspoke"modeltomoreeffectivelyscaleanddeliverBAsolutionsin
appliedanalyticsstatisticsadvancedsimulationdataassuranceandprivacyfocusedonfinancial
serviceshealthcaretechnology/information/communicationsandentertainmentconsumerand
industrialproductsandthepublicsector.
PwChasastrongpracticeincompanionareas,whichincludemanagement,riskandtechnology
consultingthatcomplementsitsanalyticsandperformancemanagementsolutions.PwChas
expandeditssolutionfocustoincludebigdataandpredictiveanalyticswithadditionaltoolbased
skillsforBIplatforms.
PwChasconsultingbreadthforsupportofenterprisedecisionmanagement,businessinnovation,
organizationalchangeandenterpriseIM.
Cautions
SomePwCclientshaveconcernsoverpricing,asthefirmisnotalowcostprovider.
PwChaswideindustrydomainexpertiseandkeytechnologyrelationshipswithleadingvendorsbut
doesnotofferascomprehensivearangeofsystemintegrationorsupportoftechnologyproductsas
someofitscompetitors.
PwCisagoodfitforlargemultinationalslookingforglobaltransformationprojectsandforclients
assessingtheimpactofinformationstrategiesontheirbusinessprocessesbutitislesssuitedto
smallerimplementationprojects.

TCS
TCSispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.TCSoffersservicesforbigdata,analyticsandIM.Gartner
estimatesthecompanygeneratedapproximately$1.5billioninglobalBAservicerevenuein2013and
hasabout16,000professionalsgloballyandacrossservicelines.TCSdidnotparticipateinthisresearch
butmeetstheinclusioncriteria.
Strengths
TCSmajorindustrysegmentsincludefinancialservicesinsurancelifesciencesandhealthcare
manufacturingretailanddistributiontelecom,mediaandentertainmentandtraveland
hospitality,withahighconcentrationofbusinessfromitsexistingclientbaseprovidingabreadthof
servicesacrosstheapplicationandtechnologylifecycleforBAservices.
TCShasfiledpatentsandcontinuesitsinvestmentsinitsCoInnovationNetwork(COIN)program
anditsInnovationLabs.
Cautions
TCSclientsindicateagapinadvisorypartnershiprelativetoBAstrategyanddirectionclientswould
likeinsightintothethoughtleadershipthatTCSproduces.
TCShasbroadglobalcoveragebutlimitedlocalstaffingforBAservicesinsomecountries,resulting
indifficultymaintainingkeyresourcesforexpertiseareas,soitsstrengthcontinuestobeinstaffing
enterpriseIMprograms.

TechMahindra
TechMahindraispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.TechMahindrahaspracticeareasforbigdata,
analyticsandIMinitsBIandperformancemanagement(PM)practice.Gartnerestimatesthecompany

generatedapproximately$200millioninglobalBAservicerevenuein2013andhasabout4,000
professionalsglobally.
Strengths
TechMahindraisdevelopingabreadthofcapability,includingaDataSciencesAcademy,which
extendsitsanalyticscapabilitiesthroughtraininginnewtechnologyareas.
TechMahindrahascorestrengthsandsolutionsinfinancialservices,manufacturing,entertainment,
retail,healthcareandtelecom,whicharecomplementedbyitsassetsandplatforms,including
iDecisions(apackagedBIandanalyticssolutionaccelerator),theTechMahindraAnalyticsPlatform
(TAP)andtheDataManagementServices(DMS)platform.
TechMahindraclientsindicatethecompanyiscompetitivelypricedforitsBIandPMstaffing
services.
Cautions
TechMahindraisgrowingitsBAcapabilitiesorganicallyandthroughacquisitionshowever,itdoes
nothavescaleacrossthebreadthofproductsinthismarketplace.
TechMahindrahasprojectsacrossallmajorgeographiesbutlackslocalpresenceinsometosupport
broadtechnologycapabilities.ItsgeographiesofstrengtharetheU.S.,WesternEuropeand
Australia.

Wipro
WiproispositionedintheNichePlayersquadrant.WiprohasanAnalyticsandInformationManagement
practiceofferingservicesthatcoverthebreadthoftheBAmarket.Wiprohascombinedtheanalytics,
cloudandmobilitypracticestoformasingleentitycalledAdvancedTechnologiesandSolutions.Gartner
estimatesthatglobalBArevenueexceeded$900millionin2013withabout10,000professionals.
Strengths
WiprohasinvestedinbuildingextendedBAcapabilitieswiththeacquisitionofPromaxApplications
Groupforcapabilitiesintradepromotion,planningandmanagement,aswellasinvestmentinOpera
SolutionsforcapabilitiesinmachinelearningandpredictiveanalyticsandAxeda,aleadingmachine
tomachineplatformprovider.
WiproanalyticssolutionsarebasedonitsBusinessProcessAssetsapproachtoservefinancial
services,retail,consumergoods,transportation,government,manufacturing,energyandutilities,
healthcare,pharmaceutical,andhightechandtelecomindustries.
Wiproclientscomplimentitsadaptability,partnership,technicalcompetency,andcommitmentof
consultantstoensuretimelyexecutionofanengagement.
Cautions
Insomecases,Wiproclientsexpresschallengesfrominconsistentexecutionanddesiredmore
projectmanagementrigorandcontinuityofstaff.
Wiproclientssometimesexpressadesiretoestablishabetteradvisoryrelationshipforstrategic
decisions,includingaccesstomorethoughtleadership.

VendorsAddedandDropped
WereviewandadjustourinclusioncriteriaforMagicQuadrantsandMarketScopesasmarketschange.As
aresultoftheseadjustments,themixofvendorsinanyMagicQuadrantorMarketScopemaychange
overtime.Avendor'sappearanceinaMagicQuadrantorMarketScopeoneyearandnotthenextdoes
notnecessarilyindicatethatwehavechangedouropinionofthatvendor.Itmaybeareflectionofa
changeinthemarketand,therefore,changedevaluationcriteria,orofachangeoffocusbythatvendor.

Added
NotapplicablebecausethisisanewMagicQuadrant.

Dropped
NotapplicablebecausethisisanewMagicQuadrant.

InclusionandExclusionCriteria
TobeincludedinthisMagicQuadrant,companieshavetomeetseveralcriteria.ThisMagicQuadrant
evaluatesthesuppliersfortheirprojectbasedconsultingandsystemintegrationofferings.TheITservices
providersarechosentobeevaluatedbasedontheircurrentandpotentialmarketimpact,howoftenthey
appearonshortlists,thedegreetowhichtheyareevaluatedbyrespondentstoGartner'sprimary
researchsurveys,andhowoftenGartneranalysts'interactionswithclientsresultininterestinspecific
providers.
Companieswereselectedbasedonservicesofferedanddeliveredglobally,regardlessofthelocationof
theirglobalheadquartersandlocationofservicedelivery,asdictatedbytheirownoperationalmodels.
Theevaluationcriteriaforselectingtheseserviceprovidersareasfollows:
PresenceTheprovidershavemarketpresenceanddemonstratedinterestbyclientsinthe
providers'solutionsandofferings,asdeterminedbyGartner.
EnterpriseTheprovidershavedemonstratedthattheirsolutionsareusedandsupportedacross

enterprisescaledeployments.
ProjectsTheprovidershavethecapabilitiesnotjustforstaffing,butalsoformanagingBA
programsacrosstheBAframework.
FrameworkTheprovidersdeliverprojectsthatincludefourofthecapabilitiesfromtheBA
frameworkdomains(eithersinglyorincombination).Formoreinformationonthissubject,see
"Gartner'sBusinessAnalyticsFramework."
CapabilitiesTheprovidersconsistentlyinvestinmethodologyandinternalprocesses,aswellasin
resourcedevelopment.
RevenuePureplayBAprovidersandfullserviceBAprovidersareevaluatediftheymeetthe
aboveinclusioncriteriaandthefollowingrevenuerequirements:
PureplayBAprovidersarecompaniesthatderivemorethan90%oftheirrevenueexclusively
fromBAconsultingandintegrationservices,andtheyareexpectedtohave$150millionin
annualrevenue,asestimatedbyGartner.
Fullserviceprovidersarecompanieswith$150millioninannualBAprofessionalservices
revenue,aspartofalargerportfolioforallprofessionalservicesinapplicationrelatedwork(for
example,CRM,ERPorsupplychainmanagement,singlyorincombination),asestimatedby
Gartner.NotethattherearenopureplayBAprovidersevaluated.
GeographyTheprovidersofferimplementationservicesforBAsolutionswith(1)themajorityof
revenuederivedfromclientsintwoofthreeprimarygeographiesNorthAmerica,WesternEurope
andJapanaswellas(2)additionalrevenuederivedfromclientsintwooffoursecondary
geographiesAustraliaandGreaterAsia,LatinAmerica,theMiddleEastandAfrica,andEastern
Europe.
Informationduringtheevaluationprocessisgatheredbybriefingsprovidedbytheserviceproviders,
annualreportsandotherpubliclyavailableinformation,aswellasdataprovidedbytheprovidersand
referencechecksconductedaspartoftheresearch.Gartnercontinuouslyspeakstoprovidersandtheir
clientsthroughouttheyear,whichalsoprovidesuswithinformation.

EvaluationCriteria
AbilitytoExecute
TheAbilitytoExecutedimensioninouranalysisevaluatestheserviceprovider'scapacityandtrackrecord
implementingtheservicesdescribedinitsstrategicplanandinclients'proposalsandcontracts.It
considersthedepthandbreadthofservicesofferedateachleveloftheGartnerBusinessAnalytics
Framework.ThisAbilitytoExecuteincludestheserviceprovider'sdemonstratedabilitytosatisfyclients'
needsthroughacombinationoftools,techniques,methodologies,alliancepartners,andverticaland
processexpertise.

Table1.AbilitytoExecuteEvaluation
Criteria
EvaluationCriteria

Weighting

ProductorService

High

OverallViability

Medium

SalesExecution/Pricing

Low

MarketResponsiveness/Record

High

MarketingExecution

Low

CustomerExperience

Medium

Operations

High

Source:Gartner(July2014)

CompletenessofVision
TheCompletenessofVisiondimensionevaluatestheserviceprovider'sstrategicvisiontodeliverthe
necessaryvisionforclientstoexecuteontheGartnerBusinessAnalyticsFramework.ThisCompleteness
ofVisionincludestheserviceprovider'sdepthofknowledgeofthemarkets,knowledgeofthedirectionof
keymarkettrends,andknowledgeofthecustomersitserves.Theserviceprovider'sscopeofvisionand
themindshareithasachievedwithpotentialbuyersareimportant.Factorsanalyzedincludetheservice
provider'scommitmenttoitsBApractices,fundingandallocationofresourcesandskillbuilding,andhow
itpositionsitselftoaddressfutureindustryscenariosthroughinvestmentsinR&D,methodologies,
alliancesandpartnerships.Ultimately,vendorsareratedontheirstrategiesofhowmarketforcescanbe
exploitedtocreateopportunitiesforthemselvesandtheirclients.Ultimately,vendorsarejudgedontheir
abilityincapitalizingontheirvision.

Table2.CompletenessofVision
EvaluationCriteria
EvaluationCriteria

Weighting

MarketUnderstanding

Medium

MarketingStrategy

Medium

SalesStrategy

Low

Offering(Product)Strategy

Medium

BusinessModel

Low

Vertical/IndustryStrategy

High

Innovation

High

GeographicStrategy

High

Source:Gartner(July2014)

QuadrantDescriptions
Leaders
Leadersprovideofferingsthatmeetdemand,aswellasdemonstratethevisionnecessarytosustaintheir
positionasrequirementsevolveinthemarket.Leaderstakechancesandtypicallyrespondtoawide
marketaudiencebysupportingbroadmarketrequirementsinanattempttohelpshapethemarket.This
includesdeliveringBAsolutionsacrossalllevelsoftheBAframework.However,theymayfailtomeetthe
specificneedsofmorespecializedsegments(forexample,technology,application,geographicandprocess
segments).

Challengers
Challengershaveastrongabilitytoexecutebutneedtofullymatchserviceofferingdeliverywithevolving
globaldemandandthedynamicmarketdirection,asdefinedbytheGartnerBusinessAnalytics
Framework.AlthoughChallengerstypicallyhavesufficientscaleandfinancialresources,theymaylack
thebreadthofvision,innovationoroverallabilitytoimpactmarketdevelopment.Challengersbecome
Leaderswhentheirvisiondevelopsinconcertwiththeirabilitytomaintainahighlevelofexecution.This
marketisdynamic,andmanyprovidersareinvestingtocoverglobalbreadthandchangesincapabilities
needed.

Visionaries
VisionariesalignwithGartner'sviewofhowthemarketisevolving,buttheyhavelessprovencapabilities
todeliveragainstthatvisiontoday.Thismayreflectacompetitivestrategy,suchassellinganinnovation
aheadofmainstreamdemand,aligningexecutioncapabilitieswiththatinnovation,orearlyattemptsat
differentiatinginthemarket.TherearenoVisionariesinthisMagicQuadrant.

NichePlayers
NichePlayersdowellinasegmentofthemarket,ortheyhavelimitedabilitytoinnovateoroutperform
otherserviceprovidersduetothehighinvestmentdemandsrequiredtocompeteacrossallaspectsofthe
BAframework.Thismaybebecausetheyfocusonadomain,verticalmarket,serviceofferingor
geographicregion.Theirabilitytoexecutecanbeaffectedbythefocusareasofexpertise,aswellas
customerperceptionofservices.NichePlayersareoftenintheprocessofestablishingastrongvisionfor
theirofferingsanddevelopingthescaletoexecute.

Context
"Businessanalytics"(BA)isabroadtermthatincludestheapplications,infrastructures,toolsandbest
practicesthatenableaccessto,andanalysisof,informationtoimproveandoptimizedecisionsand
performance.Tothisend,therearehundredsofserviceprovidersthatspecializespecificallyon
componentsofBIplatforms,corporateperformancemanagementsuites,advancedanalyticsfora
functionorprocess,analyticalapplications,andPMproducts.Additionally,theproductvendorsthemselves
haveprofessionalservicesthatspecializeintheirownproductportfolios.Thisevaluationlooksat17
providersthatcreatesolutionscombiningsoftwareandprofessionalservicestoestablishcompetencyfor
decisionmanagementcapabilities,analyticscapabilitiesandIMcapabilitieswithinthebroader
expectationsofwhatafullserviceprovideroffers,suchasstrategyconsultingablendofprocess,
industry,applicationandtechnologyprogramandprojectmanagementskillsandorganizationalchange
management.
Serviceprovidershelpcustomerscombinethesedifferentelementstogetherintoaunifiedportfolio.And
increasingly,componentsofsolutionsaresoftwareassetsthatserviceprovidershavebuiltoracquired
andthenmaintain.Infact,thereisadeliberatestrategybyserviceproviderstoofferdatamanagement
platformsandanalyticsproductsasonpremisesorasaserviceoffers.
Whenconsideringadvisoryandimplementationpartnersforarequestforinformationorrequestfor
proposal,GartneradvisesorganizationsagainstsimplyselectingvendorsthatappearintheLeaders
quadrant.Allselectionsshouldbebuyerspecific,andvendorsfromtheChallengersorNichePlayers
quadrantsmaybebettermatchesforbusinessgoalsandsolutionrequirements.Additionally,clients
shouldconsiderallpotentialoptionsbasedonaproject'sspecificcriteriaandrequirements,whichare
likelydifferentfromtheinclusioncriteriainthisMagicQuadrant.OtherITservicesprovidersnotevaluated
inthisMagicQuadrantmaypresentbetteralternativesforyourbusinessrequirements.
ThisMagicQuadrantevaluatesonlytheconsultingandsystemintegrationcapabilitiesrequiredfor
discreteprojectworkandexcludesmultiyearcontractualengagementstypicalofoutsourcingagreements.
ThisisanewMagicQuadrantandrepresentsasnapshotoftheBAservicemarketataparticularpointin

time.Gartneradvisesreadersnottocomparetheplacementofvendorsfromprioryearsinother
research.Themarketischangingvendoracquisitions,partnerships,solutiondevelopmentand
alternativedeliveryareevidenceofthischangeandthecriteriaforselectingandrankingvendors
continuetoevolve.Ourassessmentstakeintoaccountthevendors'currentofferingsandoverall
strategies,aswellastheirfutureinitiatives.Wealsofactorinhowwellvendorsaredrivingmarket
changesoradaptingtochangingmarketrequirements.ThisMagicQuadrantwillhelpCIOsandbusiness
andITleaderswhoarelookingforserviceproviderpartnersfortheirBAprograms.

MarketOverview
Theuseofanalyticstoassistinachievingbusinessgoalsandprovidingacompetitiveadvantagehas
becomecriticallyimportant.Andmorebroadly,enterprisesaretransformingfrombeingprocessdrivento
beinginformationdriven,becauseinformationisanassetandnotsimplyabyproductofapplications.A
convergenceintheNexusofForces(social,mobile,cloudandinformation)andthisinformationdriven
transformationleadstoadigitalbusinessopportunity.Assuch,theimpactofBAservicescutsacross
initiativesthataffectoperationaldecisions,tacticaldecisionsandstrategicdecisions.Buildingthedecision
managementcapabilitiesacrossanorganization'sbroadneedsisbecomingcriticallyimportant,sincethe
maturityininformationanalysisproducts,aswellasIMproductsthatleveragetheexistingbusiness
automationinfrastructure,ishigh.Inourevaluations,serviceprovidersthatpartnerwithclientsas
advisorsandpointclientstowardafactbaseddecisionmakingprocessareusingthedecision
managementcapabilitiestheyhaveestablishedtobuildBAstrategies,aswellasbusinessandoperating
modelsinfluencedbyinformationdrivenapproaches.
Generallyspeaking,thereisbroadbreadthofanalyticscapabilitiesandinformationcapabilitiesinthe17
serviceprovidersevaluated.Differentiationcomesfromhowserviceproviders'capabilitydepth
distinguishestheminadvancedanalyticssolutionsorinformationfoundationsolutions.Andhowthat
depthcorrespondstosolutiondevelopmentthatprovidesthecomparability,consistency,qualityandcost
thatbuyerscanevaluateconfidentlyforthebestfit.Gartnerseesthreetrendsthatwillhaveanimpact
onBAservices.
StrategicPlanningAssumption1:By2017,buyerswillhaveshiftedasmuchas50%oftheirsourcing
portfoliotomanagedservicemodels.
Already,buyersareinterestedinmanagedservicesoncommercialofftheshelforproprietaryplatforms
tohelpsimplifytheproductlifecyclemanagementofnewBAfunctionality.Theabilityofserviceproviders
tooffertheseservicesaspartofagreaterBAstrategyandwithinBAsolutionsisimportanttoaccelerate
timetosolution,aswell.Weareseeinglimitedadoptionofsuchtechnologyplatformsthatprovidean
informationfoundationtoanorganizationandexpecttherateofadoptiontoincreaseasorganizations
formabigdatamindsetthatevolvestoabigcontextmindsetthatembodiesthediversityofsourcesthat
needtobemanaged.
StrategicPlanningAssumption2:By2017,analyticsapplicationsofferedbysoftwarevendorswillbe
indistinguishablefromanalyticsapplicationsofferedbyserviceproviders.
Establishingsolutionsthatbecomeindustrystandardsisanewmarketmakerdirectiveforservice
providers.Tothisend,thereisanattempttotakeproprietarysoftwaretomarket.However,successin
achievingbroaderacceptancewilldependonavarietyofadditionalcapabilitiesthatarepartofabroader
ITprovider,notjustaconsultingorsystemimplementationprovider.Thisincludesconsiderationofan
ecosystem,achannelstrategyandaproductlifecyclestrategy.Wearewatchinghowserviceproviders
modifytheirownofferingstothebenefitofmarketplacedemandsandexpectthistobeanimportant
factorasthemarketmatures.
StrategicPlanningAssumption3:By2017,cognitiveAItechnologywillintegrateintobusinessprocesses
andwillreplace30%ofbusinessconsultingresources.
DevelopmentsinBAwillalsoaffecthowserviceprovidersevolvedecisionmanagementcapabilities.This
impactwillpresentitselfinthetoolsandmethodsthatserviceproviderstaketomarket.Andthe
maturitywillimpacttherateofchangeinthemarketplace.Wealreadyseesomebusinessconsulting
firmswithproprietaryassetofferingsforgeneralstrategicdecisionsandexpectthatthesetoolswillimpact
theinformationdriventransformationsthatwillbecomeofgreaterinteresttoservicebuyers.Inaddition,
asmoreintelligenceisintegratedintooperationalandtacticaldecisionprocesses,thenatureofbusiness
consultingneedswillevolve.
Thetrendsaboveandmarketdevelopmentareimportantconsiderations.Nonetheless,it'simportantto
emphasizethatforthese17serviceproviderswithlargescalerepresentedbythenumberofconsultants
andrevenue,clientsaregenerallypleasedwiththeapplicationandtechnicalskillsavailablefrom
consultingandsystemimplementationprovidersandindicatethat"soft"skillscanbelimited.Thisis,in
part,aresultofgreaterdemandsthatclientsputonserviceproviders,aswellasthegreatgapinneed
thatclientsrequireforareassuchaschangemanagement,consistentcommunicationandbusiness
acumen.BuyersofBAservicesshouldevaluateserviceprovidersonthesefactorsandkeepinmindthat
individuallystrongconsultantscontributetoaproject'ssuccess,aswellastheinstitutionalassetsthat
serviceprovidersdevelop.

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