FRAMINGHAM, Mass. March 27, 2012 – International Data Corporation (IDC) has published a new vendor assessment profiling the leading providers in the worldwide IT consulting services market. The IDC MarketScape report found that Accenture, IBM, and HP are all "Leaders" in the global market for datacenter transformation consulting.

"While consulting firms providing datacenter transformation consulting are generally very capable at providing functional insights, and applying proven methodology/tools, buyers of datacenter transformation consulting services find consulting firms struggle to integrate their team members with those of the customers on datacenter transformation projects," said Ali Zaidi, senior research analyst, IT Consulting and Systems Integration Research.

The vendors included in this IDC MarketScape analysis are Accenture, Capgemini, CSC, Dell, Deloitte, HP, IBM, Infosys, KPMG, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. In addition to the vendors identified as "Leaders", seven vendors were named as “Major Players”. They are Capgemini, CSC, Dell, Deloitte, Infosys, KPMG, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

"Improving operational efficiency and consolidation of datacenter environment are the key drivers for buyers to consume datacenter transformation consulting services," said Gard Little, research director, IT Consulting and System Integration Research. A significant component of this evaluation is the inclusion of the perception of IT consulting buyers on both the key characteristics and the capabilities of these consulting providers.

Key findings from this MarketScape include:

• Across the ten vendors analyzed, the most common areas mentioned as needing improvement were marketing strategies, pricing models, and sales and distribution strategies.
• Conversely, the most common areas of vendor strength included future cost management strategies, current offerings, and future innovation and customer service strategies.

The report, IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Transformation Consulting 2012 Vendor Analysis (IDC # 233919) assesses the capability and business strategy of many of the leading IT consulting firms. This evaluation is based on a comprehensive framework and set of parameters expected to be most conducive to success in providing datacenter transformation consulting services during the short and long term.

About IDC MarketScape

IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of 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 vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

For more information about IDC MarketScapes, please contact Karen Moser at kmoser@idc.com.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 100 countries. For more than 48 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

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