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IBM Software Emerges as Key Driver of Innovation and Growth in the AI Pivot

Rick Villars, Robert Parker, Matthew Eastwood, Jim Mercer, Gard Little — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

IBM’s earnings release for 3Q24 reported revenue of $15.0 billion (+2% y/y at constant currency) — the balance of this document will use constant currency growth unless otherwise noted. IBM generated free cash flow of $2.0 billion for the quarter. Gross margin (210 bps) and pre-tax margin (100 bps) continued to show y/y improvement.

IDC MarketScape: Middle East and Africa Cloud Professional Services 2024 Vendor Assessment

Eric Samuel, Jonathan Tullett, Mufasir Yousuf — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC study presents a vendor assessment of the 2024 cloud professional services market through the IDC MarketScape model. This research is a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the characteristics that explain a vendor's success in the marketplace and help anticipate the vendor's ascendancy. This IDC MarketScape covers a variety of vendors participating in the MEA cloud professional services market. This evaluation is based on a comprehensive framework and set of parameters that are expected to be the most conducive to success in providing cloud professional services in both the short term and the long term. This evaluation also covered how buyers of cloud professional services perceive the key characteristics and capabilities of the listed providers.

"As cloud services become mainstream, organizations are taking a more holistic approach to cloud investments, demanding advanced capabilities from their engaged vendor to drive transformation and innovation. The vendor landscape is highly competitive, with vendors enhancing their offerings and carving out niche strategies. A record 15 vendors were evaluated in this study, giving buyers a new snapshot of vendors to consider." Eric Samuel, Associate Research Director, IT Services.

IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Security Services in the AI Era 2024–2025 Vendor Assessment

Cathy Huang — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC study evaluates 21 global cloud security services providers in the AI era. It assesses their capabilities in integrating AI, cloud security strategies, and managed cloud security services. The study also assesses their capabilities of embedding security in cloud transformations, leveraging AI for enhanced security measures, and maintaining compliance and security. Key strengths and challenges of each vendor are discussed, providing insights for technology buyers to make informed decisions.

“As organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation in the AI era, leveraging AI-driven cloud security services can streamline operations, enhance compliance, and unlock new growth opportunities. The future of cloud security lies in automation, AI enhancements, and a zero trust model, promising to reduce cybersecurity risks and ensure business continuity in an increasingly digital world,” says Cathy Huang, research director, IDC Cybersecurity Consulting and Professional Security Services.

Cisco Partner Summit 2024 Services View: Continued Simplification to Drive Adoption Leveraging AI

Chris Barnard, Elaina Stergiades, Leslie Rosenberg — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC link discusses announcements from the Cisco Partner Summit held in Los Angeles, CA, October 27–31, 2024. The event brought together 1,900 partners from 83 countries around the globe, which delivered 90% of Cisco's revenue. Cisco Partner Summit 2024 highlighted new partner programs, channel, services, and product leadership, as well as new products. This document specifically focuses on the Cisco CX Services portfolio within the context of the broader channels, product, and solution announcements made at Cisco Partner Summit.

IDC Highlights a Critical Emerging Role in Driving Customer-Centric Strategies Across Industries

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

MILANO, November 13, 2024 — International Data Corporation (IDC) today announced new insights into the expanding role of the chief experience officer (CXO) as a driving force in shaping customer experience strategies across industries. As organizations face increasing competition and evolving customer expectations, the CXO is emerging as a key player in aligning technology and operations to enhance customer loyalty and business outcomes.

IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Intelligence Platform Software 2024 Vendor Assessment

Stewart Bond, Marlanna Bozicevich — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC study evaluates the evolving data intelligence software market, driven by needs for AI-ready data. It highlights 13 key vendors — Alation, Ataccama, BigID, Collibra, Databricks, Denodo, IBM, Informatica, OvalEdge, Pentaho, Precisely, Quest Software, and Securiti — assessing their strengths, challenges, and suitability for various data management and AI initiatives. The document underscores the importance of data governance, quality, lineage, and cataloging in supporting AI and data-driven business activities.

“Data intelligence platform software is key to helping organizations deliver AI-ready data products for synthesis and utilization in business activities,“ says Stewart Bond, vice president, Data Intelligence and Integration Software research at IDC. “Each vendor in this evaluation is doing something unique in terms of bringing AI to data using AI automation in the software, improving the productivity and outcomes of data workers in making data ready for AI initiatives in the organization to improve business outcomes.”

The Key Role of Advanced SD-WAN Connectivity in SASE Architectures

Brandon Butler — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC Perspective explores the critical role that SD-WAN plays in SASE architectures and provides an overview of the key SD-WAN components that enable a successful SASE strategy.

"As organizations increasingly deploy SASE architectures, it's critically important for them to consider the connectivity aspects of an integrated network and security strategy," says Brandon Butler, senior research manager, Enterprise Networks at IDC. "SD-WAN technology has matured rapidly in recent years to support a variety of core and advanced features, each of which can play important roles in ensuring high-quality, reliable, and automated connectivity in SASE architectures."

The Supply Chain Redefined: Principal Areas for More Efficient Management

Jan Burian — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC Perspective emphasizes the need for supply chain resiliency, highlighting the importance of transparency, cargo safety, and cybersecurity amidst global disruptions. It discusses the impact of geopolitical instabilities, energy costs, and regulatory requirements on supply chains. The integration of digital technologies and flexible, scalable systems is crucial for overcoming challenges and ensuring efficient supply chain management. Organizations must prioritize visibility and agility to adapt to the evolving landscape and maintain a resilient supply chain.

"Many organizations have focused on costs at the expense of resiliency — but the global priority should be improving supply chain resiliency, including visibility and agility." Jan Burian, Head of IDC Manufacturing Insights (EMEA)

IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Smart Insurance Producer Management Applications 2024 Vendor Assessment

Davide Palanza — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC MarketScape examines smart producer management applications, which have become increasingly vital as insurers navigate the challenges of an extended recession and a hard market. In this environment, insurers are strategically investing in technology to drive organic growth, particularly for more complex insurance products. Despite the rise of digital channels, agents and brokers remain the primary distribution channels for these products. However, a seamless and efficient experience for agents and brokers is crucial for insurers to leverage these relationships successfully.

Smart producer management applications offer insurers the necessary tools to expand and enhance their relationships with agents and brokers, enabling them to navigate key processes such as onboarding, relationship management, and commission management effortlessly. By investing in these advanced solutions, insurers can streamline the producer life cycle, reduce administrative burdens, and foster stronger, more productive partnerships. This not only enhances the ease of doing business with the carrier but also positions insurers to capitalize on growth opportunities in a challenging market.

"In today's challenging economic landscape, where achieving organic growth feels like a race against time, the significance of investing in smart producer management applications cannot be overstated. Insurers must focus on creating seamless digital interactions not only for end consumers but also for business partners such as agents and brokers, who are essential in distributing less standardized risk-transfer and savings products. By streamlining the onboarding process, optimizing relationship management, and ensuring accuracy in commission payments, insurers can enhance engagement with these critical channels, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately drive sustained growth in a demanding market environment." — Research Manager Davide Palanza, IDC Financial Insights

Microsoft Industry Analyst Event Showcases Customers' Innovative AI Use Cases

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:00 GMT

This IDC Perspective highlights Microsoft's Industry Analyst Event that the company hosted on October 2, 2024, which showcased innovative AI use cases across healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Key highlights included AI-driven productivity tools (such as DAX Copilot for clinical documentation) and AI-enhanced software development in manufacturing. The event emphasized Microsoft's commitment to transforming industries through AI, cloud technology, and strategic partnerships, demonstrating significant ROI and operational efficiencies. The focus was on leveraging data insights to enhance customer and employee experiences, driving industry-specific outcomes, and fostering innovation.

"Microsoft's AI innovations are transforming industries, turning experimental concepts into production use cases with significant ROI and underscoring the company's focus on helping customers achieve their business outcomes and do more with AI," stated Lynne A. Dunbrack, group vice president, Public Sector at IDC.