FRAMINGHAM, Mass., February 22, 2005 � According to IDC, enterprises are increasing spending on knowledge management (KM) technologies, including collaboration software, content management and access software, and enterprise portal software, based on the ability of these technologies to deliver concrete benefits when implemented as part of a business solution. Beyond purchasing new software, companies are also investing the time, effort and capital required to integrate applications and information in order to solve real business problems.
�Vendors must understand and capitalize on their role in delivering solutions to companies faced with improving or automating business processes that require a variety of knowledge management related technologies,� said Brian McDonough, research manager of IDC�s Enterprise Portal Software and Packaged Composite Applications program. �Vendors in the portal ecosystem can capitalize on this opportunity by providing the appropriate mix of functions, process know-how, and leadership in the delivery of specific solutions.�
Over 51% of IDC survey respondents seek to integrate information and applications in order to establish a single point of access to multiple information sources. Other leading reasons for purchasing KM technologies include the need to streamline internal business processes, create a unified view of enterprise information, and reduce the number of duplicate applications.
IDC believes that government, business services, and financial services are the vertical markets most likely to adopt KM-related technologies.
The recent IDC study, Knowledge Management, Integration, and Business Processes: Strategies for Solution Sales (IDC #32462), provides software vendors with guidance in identifying the key opportunities, risks, and types of partners to better sell software that meets the business process improvement goals currently sought after by enterprises. This study presents an overview of KM-related technologies, business process improvement priorities and integration challenges as well as new license and integration requirements among IT buyers. The document also examines the role of the enterprise portal as the interface and management console of new applications. Additionally, the results of IDC�s 2004 Portals Survey and IDC�s 2004 Application and Information Integration Survey are presented within this study.
About IDC Canada
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. IDC Canada forecasts and provides keen insight on Canadian, in addition to worldwide, IT markets and technology trends. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC’s customers comprise the world�s leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, eBusiness companies and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.ca.
IDC is a division of IDG, the world’s leading IT media, research and exposition company.
