ARMONK, N.Y., May 9, 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 Analytics Consulting and Systems Integration Services 2014 Vendor Assessment report.

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According to the report based on an analysis of the top consulting firms worldwide, IBM was the leading provider for strategy and maintained the highest market share compared to other organizations. Client firms contacted by IDC praised the practice for delivering innovative solutions, meeting project timelines and clearly communicating the value of its services and delivery methodology.

The IBM practice is the first among major consultancies to fully integrate strategy consulting, organization change and business analytics, reflecting IBM's belief that data is the basis of a competitive advantage. IBM's leadership in business analytics is based on more than 40,000 client engagements, more than $17 billion in Big Data and Analytic acquisitions, 500 patents and the deep mathematical prowess of IBM Research. By using an end-to-end approach featuring strategy consulting supported by 70 industry-specific analytics use cases, IBM helps its clients use unprecedented volumes of information to their benefit.

"The agenda of business is being defined by data and the technologies to exploit it, starting with analytics for new insight or addressing strategic priorities like fraud detection, or personalized experiences and next best action' decisions in marketing programs," said Sarah Diamond, general manager for global consulting services at IBM. "The IDC MarketScape report spotlights the distinct ability of our blended strategy and analytics practice to help clients navigate this world of big data to drive continuous innovation and forge the deep, trusted relationships needed to sustain their business."

The IDC MarketScape study evaluated the top business analytics providers across a variety of key success factors, including talent management, life cycle of business analytics services, portfolio strength and vendor strategies.

In addition to the leadership ranking in this latest IDC evaluation, IBM Global Business Services' Interactive Experience practice was recently rated the world's leading digital agency by Adverting Age magazine.

For more information on IBM Business Analytics 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 Analytics Consulting and Systems Integration Services 2014 Vendor Assessment" Doc #248172 May 2014

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

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SOURCE IBM

SOURCE: IBM