ARMONK, N.Y., Feb 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today its Strategy and Analytics Business Consulting practice has been named a leader in the new IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Business Consulting 2014 Vendor Assessment report.

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According to the IDC MarketScape report based on a survey of more than 600 clients, IBM is "seen as the most capable of all firms at delivering value-creating innovation and driving innovation through an organization" when compared to other firms worldwide.

This recognition of IBM's leadership in business consulting is a result of IBM's commitment to guiding clients through a data-driven transformation fueled by investments in technologies such as social, mobile, analytics and cloud to support rapid change. IBM's front office-focused client agenda aims to help enterprises create unique models of customer engagement and personalization informed by new insights extracted from massive volumes of data.

"We are seeing that new models of engagement are reshaping the front-office agenda. Soon there will be no distinction between business strategy and the use of data," said Sarah Diamond, general manager, IBM Global Business Services. "The IDC MarketScape report reinforces the need for a first-of-a-kind consulting practice such as IBM Interactive Experience to innovate client experience using data and analytics to drive individualization and personalization."

In fact, the IDC MarketScape report notes that IBM is perceived to be among the most capable at helping clients identify and implement options for growth and transform significant processes. It also states that IBM is "considered the most capable at helping clients manage risk, improve operational efficiency, and expand into new markets or geographies."

"Overall, according to client feedback worldwide, IBM enjoys an excellent reputation for quality," the IDC MarketScape concluded.

In addition to IBM's Worldwide Business Consulting Services, the following IBM locations were honored for leadership in recent IDC MarketScape reports:

    --  Americas Business Consulting Services (doc #246639)
    --  EMEA Business Consulting Services (doc #246675)
    --  Asia Pacific Business Consulting Services (doc #246682)

For an excerpt of the IDC MarketScape Worldwide Business Consulting 2014 Vendor Assessment report, visit https://www.idc.com/MarketScape/index.jsp.

For more on IBM Business Consulting Services visit http://www.ibm.com/services/gbs.

About IDC MarketScape

IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of IT, telecommunications, or industry-specific suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT, telecommunications, or industry-specific vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a transparent foundation to allow companies to independently compare the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

Sources: IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Business Consulting Services 2014 Vendor Assessment doc #246615, February 2014;; IDC MarketScape: EMEA Business Consulting Services, 2014 Vendor Assessment, ;, doc #246675 February 2014;; IDC MarketScape: Asia Pacific Business Consulting Services, 2014 Vendor Assessment;, doc #246682, February 2014;; IDC MarketScape: Americas Business Consulting Services, 2014 Vendor Assessment; doc #246639, February 2014;.

Contact Information
Suzanne Aronowitz
IBM
617.693.1811
saronowi@us.ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM Corporation