A proven record in delivering expert advice

With a track record stretching back many years, Ovum is widely acknowledged as the leading commentator on UK Software & IT Services (S/ITS). Through the Holway@Ovum service, which builds on the success of the original Holway Report, our team of experts provides unrivalled analysis of both the market and the players. We help organisations make strategic and tactical decisions through our understanding of the competitive landscape and the market challenges.

The Holway@Ovum advisory service

Our analysis and commentary is available through Holway@Ovum, an advisory service that is constructed around a number of components which together provide a unique resource to support your decision-making in the UK S/ITS market.

It addresses key business questions, such as:

• How do you grow in a low-growth market?
• What strategies are your competitors applying and how successful are these?
• How does your performance compare with your competitors?
• How are customers' demands and priorities evolving?
• Where are the vertical market opportunities?
• Beyond organic growth, what are the options for growth through acquisition?
• What other significant changes in the market should you be preparing for?

Components of the service

Market Trends

Market Trends examines the trends in the supply of software and IT services to the UK market. It provides in-depth analysis of all the main software and IT service segments, including:

• Software (which we divide into Systems Infrastructure, Applications and Information Management)
• Project services (Consulting, Systems Development and Training)
• Support services (Systems Support, Desktop Services and Business Continuity)
• Outsourcing (Infrastructure, Applications Management, BPO)

Our analysis of these market segments includes:

• market size and forecasts
• trends and expectations
• rankings and positioning of the leading suppliers
• comment on new entrants, rising stars - and falling comets.

We also highlight key trends in the major vertical segments, including financial services, utilities, telecoms, retail, manufacturing and government.

Market Trends is updated twice a year (June and December) both online and in paper copy.

Industry Trends

Industry Trends complements our view of the S/ITS market and examines the performance and dynamics of the players.

Presented in downloadable slide packs, the analysis considers the industry from three interrelated viewpoints:

• Financial Health - analysis of the financial performance of the industry. We assess the key metrics for 'survival', such as revenue and margin performance, enabling you to benchmark your company against your competitors and the industry more widely.
• Industry Dynamics - a quantitative and qualitative look at how the industry is shaping up. Who are the buyers and who are the sellers and what are the acquisition drivers? Who are the most popular targets, what are the valuation trends and what are the prospects for your company in a consolidating market?
• Investor Sentiment - We look at how investor sentiment is affecting valuations of UK S/ITS companies and sectors, and what this means for the future of the industry. Is your company going to be able to excite investors?

Industry Trends is updated online annually.

Industry Intelligence

Our analysts are well connected with many of the most significant decision makers in the S/ITS market. Our close association with both suppliers and customers - applied in conjunction with additional research aids, such as our extensive company and contracts databases - enables us to provide unique Profiles of the top 50 players in the UK. These include "Ovum's View", SWOT analyses and financial reviews.

Commentary on S/ITS developments as they happen

• Hotnews - read by more than 2,000 people daily - succinctly presents Ovum's view of the latest financial and corporate news in the UK S/ITS marketplace. Hotnews is delivered to your inbox - and is also available online, alongside an extensive archive. Stay informed of the latest developments in your sector, with all the implications clearly explained by our team.
• SYSTEMHOUSE - a longstanding monthly publication that summarises all the major financial and corporate news in the UK S/ITS marketplace. It always opens with an insightful and opinionated take on the sector. It also includes summaries of the latest share price performance of over 130 publicly quoted UK S/ITS suppliers and details the most recent M&A activity in the sector.

Interactive services

• Analyst interaction - As a Holway@Ovum subscriber, you have the ability to communicate directly with our analysts for in-depth conversations around our published research. Learn more about what the market and industry trends mean for your organisation.
• Customised analyst engagements - Tap directly into Ovum's expertise with additional sessions customised to suit your needs. Spend time with our analysts and get strategic and tactical advice on topics/issues of your choice. Past examples include:
• Advice on market entry/opportunities
• Practical workshops for strategy reviews
• Quarterly updates on competitors
• Bespoke research assignments

Why you need Holway@Ovum

The S/ITS market has rapidly matured, ushering in an era characterised by growth in mid single digits at best. Nonetheless, prospects vary between different vertical markets and different product/service lines. Picking the right paths has never been so vital, but the risks of making the wrong choice have never been so acute.

In order to seize the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls, it is key that you have a clear understanding of the market, and that you know what your competitors and potential partners are up to. With this in mind, access to respected analysis, comment and forecasts is more vital than ever.

You need Holway@Ovum if you are:

• the Chief Executive Officer, Finance Director, Sales & Marketing Director, or Business Development Director of a UK software and IT services company
• involved in merger and acquisition activity in the UK software and IT services sector
• involved in making investment decisions relating to the UK software and IT services industry.

You will find Holway@Ovum vital for:

• identifying key market opportunities
• understanding the competitive terrain in order to exploit it
• benchmarking the financial performance of companies in the sector
• making informed funding decisions
• preparing statutory financial statements, investment analyst briefings, business and investment plans and funding exercises.

Confidence and credibility

Ovum has a long history of getting the trends right. With our privileged access to top executives in the industry, few names carry more authority among suppliers and investors than our UK S/ITS team.

Contact us

Please contact us to discuss your particular needs. For more information contact:

Damien McInerny
Sales Manager, Ovum
Tel: +44 (0) 207 551 9315
email: damien.mcinerny@ovum.com