European Services Competitive Analysis - Top 50 Service Providers, Based on 2003 Market Shares; 2004 Preview

This IDC study provides a competitive analysis of the top 50 Western European IT and business service providers. It ranks the 50 largest IT and business service providers — and also the top 50 IT service providers — based on services revenue generated in the region in CY03, highlights the top 10 "rising stars" (vendors with the highest revenue growth rates), compares vendors by country of origin and ranking tier (top 10, top 11–20, etc.), provides a preview of the top end of the market in 2004, and shares predictions for 2005. It is the perfect source for readers keen to gain insight into the European services industry — particularly IT professionals, service providers, large end users, and the investor community.

According to Khalid Irshad, a senior analyst in IDC's European Services group, "The market is dominated by IBM GS, U.S.-based vendors, and the 10 largest service providers. Some of the highest growth rates were mainly the direct result of acquisitions. In terms of operating conditions, intense competition resulting in excess capacity and severe pricing erosion will put pressure on all vendors to merge or acquire in order to remain competitive. Established service providers face threats not only from established rivals, but also from emerging players from overseas or the hardware and software industries, and increasingly from smarter clients better able to negotiate and renegotiate contracts."