2004 Leadership Grid of the Top 20 European Solution Services Providers, and 2003 Vendor Shares

This study presents the IDC Leadership Grid of the 2004 Top 20 European Solution Services Providers, as well as 2003 market shares. In order to position the vendors on the IDC Leadership grid, IDC has estimated the each vendor's opportunity alignment and ability to gain share. The study discusses each vendor's position, with strengths and weaknesses according to IDC's criteria.

IBM Global Services is the European solution services leader, closely followed by Accenture and with Capgemini further behind in third place. "For services firms to be successful in the solution services market, they should innovate to distinguish themselves, focus on vertical market knowledge and solutions, and pay extra attention to partnering & alliances with ISVs," says Erik Bruin, Research Manager, European Services. Marianne Kolding, Research Director European Services, adds, "Solution services are increasingly delivered in larger outsourcing engagements, and vendors need access to this delivery model as a consequence. Last, but not least, vendors should not stick their heads in the sand when it comes to address the offshore issue. This last factor is not a passing fad but a structural change that must be dealt with in order to be successful in the future."