From our first article the evolution of analyst firms suggested that these firms need to progress , add value and change their business model. This has proved more truthful now than ever before with the creation of my associate, fellow analyst Ray Wang and the creation of the Constellation Research http://www.constellationrg.com. As this continues to ring true this premise was strengthened by star analyst Ray Wang going off on his own and forming a new company of his own and putting together a star lineup of analysts. Organizations looking for research, emerging trends, software insights, advisory services, and software evaluation as additional services are offered by smaller boutique analyst firms.
Often times the smaller analyst firms have highly experienced subject matter expertise from specific industries that have actual work experience. Not only can they comment on market movement and provide analysis such as the big analyst firms but can offer additional services to benefit organizations specific to their business. It is this industry experience that adds value to organizations as they have seen real practices success and failures so there is beneficial advice and not just market commentary. Their experience of analysis and commentary is added to real industry experience.
These analyst firms are also privy to the same disclosure and contacts they have accrued over their career and have even come from the large analyst firms. Before the trends were to get into the big firms such as Gartner, IDC, Aberdeen, Forrester where they offer respected methodologies and great research frameworks. Now the tide has changed where many analysts who have built social media presence and influence are starting their own firms such as www.horsesforsources.com, www.altimetergroup.com, www.ventanaresearch.com, Eval-Source.com, http://www.appsruntheworld.com all sprung up with additional services offered to customers from a customer point of view and are changing the face of customer research. These are all respected analysts in their own disciplines and are now doing their own thing.
These small analyst firms have produced specific and outstanding research within industry verticals that solve specific industry problems. These briefs and papers actually solve real business problems. The next gen of analyst firms are starting to wake upto the model of diversifying away from the 80/20 rule where 80% of their revenue comes from vendors. The new generation of analyst firms are starting to wake upto the reality there are businesses to consult for rather than going back to the vendor time after time. What happens when the vendors slash spending on research or goto market or analyst services, their revenues are seriously compromised. A diversification to organizations can allow these firms to increase their revenues while organizations gain valuable insights and how to stay ahead of the curve.
Eval-Source is a consulting firm that provides enterprise software selection and strategic consulting services for organizations to achieve success in their IT initiatives. Our Tru-Eval selection system allows organizations to avoid IT failure, receive more ROI in technology spend, reduce project life-cycle lengths and provide accurate results to make the best decision for your company. Included within our strategic consulting practice are cloud computing services, cloud evaluation services and business process supply chain and manufacturing optimization. Whether you have an existing system that is not performing up to par or need advice on a cloud computing strategy Eval-Source can provide the necessary direction for your IT and business goals. Our leading‐edge selection and business process optimization services make your life easier to acquire enterprise software or get your existing ERP systems running optimally by impartial third party analysts. Follow us on twitter @eval_source and the Eval-Source blog
