"Our Take" - Research Analysts

(Past Editions by: Date, Title, Topic)

 
About "Our Take" 
"Our Take" is a collection of daily vignettes covering a wide range of CRM topics. It's an attempt to add our own spin to the world of CRM. We will use the column to share our perspectives, opinions, epiphanies, web nuggets, or quite frankly anything that moves us. Get ready to expect the unexpected. And, don't be shy about sharing your thoughts.
 
 
2/16/06 - Credibility of Analysts
Every so often one of the computer trade journals analyzes the research analysts. In this case, InformationWeek offers "Credibility of Analysts" looking into the business of Forrester, Gartner, IDC and others.
 
The advisory firms say they are committed to delivering information services of the highest integrity. But negative perceptions often linger because the advisors take money from the vendors. And we aren’t talking loose change. Perhaps because analysts provide product evaluations on products they typically don't test first hand. Maybe that’s the "magic" in the Magic Quadrants.
 
I like analysts that have opinions. I really like analysts that can back up their opinions with sound research. Read tomorrow's column to find out what suggestions I have for the advisory firms.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
2/17/06 - A Need for Transparency
Yesterday, I shared an InformationWeek article on the "Credibility of Analysts" that explores the possible links between advisory firms and the vendors. Today, I’d like to start some thoughts on how advisory firms can make themselves more credible.
 
It's a matter of objectivity and independence. The advisory firms insist that users wouldn't buy their services if they weren't objective and independent. So the question is "does the linkage between advisory firm and vendor create influence?" That's a tough question to answer.
 
But the linkage between advisory firms and vendors is undeniable. I believe it's time for more transparency in order to let people make that determination for themselves. What does transparency mean? Read the next edition of CRMAdvocate to find out.
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)
 
2/20/06 - Advisory Firm Transparency
If the credibility of analysts is in question, we need to have more transparency in order to but the advice of advisory firms in perspective. What does that mean?
 
For me, it means that advisory firms should disclose the percent of income they derive from vendors versus income from users. It means that when they publish reports, advisory firms should disclose which vendors are “clients.”
 
I am under no illusion that advisory firms will do this voluntarily. There is no incentive for them to disclose this type of information to the public. However, I do believe user clients have every right to ask. If you were to get a recommendation from a stock broker, wouldn't you want to know if they had taken money from the company they recommend?
 
Gary Lemke, Publisher
(Share your thoughts)