(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO)

In a recent report examining technology adoption trends by cities, Forrester Research, Inc., stated that "The breadth and depth of capability in software and services for city planning and management, human and infrastructure services, along with the ability to analyze and integrate the information and provide executive dashboards and citizen interaction is probably unmatched in the market."

The report, "Service Providers Accelerate Smart City Projects," Forrester Research, Inc., July 30, 2013, provides recommendations for cities and local governments on how to best use smart city services and work with technology providers. 

IBM has an extensive Smarter Cities business, helping cities of all sizes bring together consulting, software, hardware, hosting and maintenance for city planning and management, and human and infrastructure services. The report stated that IBM "brings strong domain expertise and business transformation capabilities." It also noted that "the company positions itself as a data integrator connecting and integrating disparate city infrastructure systems and making sense of the data they produce to empower the different city stakeholders." 

"I believe this validates IBM's comprehensive approach to the Smarter Cities market," said Michael J Dixon, general manager, IBM Smarter Cities. "With a deep understanding of public safety, health, water, transport, education and social services, IBM also provides proven technology and industry expertise to address the business needs of cities." 

The report cites IBM's work with clients such as the City of Philadelphia which is using advanced analytics and data from the Philadelphia Youth Network and the Workforce Investment Board to identify dropout risks and offer targeted training opportunities. Twenty-six companies were considered in the report which provides an in-depth view of six major vendors including IBM. The capabilities of these companies were assessed by smarter cities expertise, consulting capabilities and partner ecosystem. 

The Forrester report also provides advice for cities and emphasizes that cities should recognize the value of technology as a means of transformation. To learn more about the report, "Service Providers Accelerate Smart City Projects" visit: http://www.forrester.com 

IBM is helping cities around the world use the vast amount of information already available to deliver more efficient citizen services. IBM's experience with cities continuously fuels more effective solutions and best practices to help city leaders transform their communities. 

Contact:
Holli Haswell
hhaswell@us.ibm.com
720-396-5485

SOURCE IBM