Recently, IDC published a very interesting report called "Worldwide Business Analytics Software 2008 - 2012 Forecast and 2007 Vendor Shares". Given that IDC's definition of the business analytics sector also includes data warehousing, it is no surprise that Oracle is #1.
However, next to data warehousing, there is another segment, called “Performance Management Applications and Tools. This segment consists of 9 categories:
1. Financial Performance and Strategy Management Applications
2. Other Supply Chain Analytic Applications
3. Supply Chain Product Planning
4. CRM Analytic Applications
5. Services Operations Analytic Applications
6. Workforce Analytic Applications
7. Business Intelligence tools - Query, Reporting, Analysis
8. Business Intelligence tools - Advanced Analytics
9. Analytic Spatial Information Management Tools
If we compare total revenues and vendor share across these categories (and in most of the categories individually), Oracle is #1 as well.
These revenues and vendor shares are calculated based on 2007 data, the year where Oracle acquired Hyperion. I think there are a number of reasons why Oracle took the #1 position.
First, and I can tell first hand, having come from the Hyperion acquisition, Oracle is incredibly skilled in integrating acquired companies. The speed and precision is impressive. The combination of Oracle and Hyperion hit the ground running from day 1, from my perspective.
Second, the product positioning is very clear. Not much overlap, swift delivery of integration, and solid continuation of product lines.
Thirdly, if I dare say, I think our “thought leadership” may also have to do with it. Oracle, and before that Hyperion, invests heavily in EPM best practices and next practices that customers can benefit from. This is recognized and appreciated. I don’t want to come across overly self-confident, but we simply know what we talk about. Our recent work on for instance management excellence shows that.
frank
PS. Other vendors have issued press releases and claimed leadership in performance management or subcategories as well. I can only encourage you to read the complete IDC report.
