A new IDC MarketScape vendor assessment evaluates business process (BP) platforms in response to the growth in both the complexity and importance of process improvement projects and the corresponding need to reevaluate business process management software requirements. BP platforms need to provide high levels of functionality around the business process, the rules that govern it, and how data is accessed and interoperates with third party applications.

To provide the levels of functionality needed, the platform must support an architecture that maximizes agility and reusability at each layer of the newly improved process. This IDC MarketScape evaluates BP platforms that are capable of supporting mid- to high levels of process automation complexity.

IDC's MarketScape assessment model balances the strategy of vendors with their current capabilities. Because marketing and sales, business issues, and products are all critical in this evaluation, this MarketScape analysis weighs these factors on both the strategy side as well as with current capabilities. Key findings from the report include:

  • MarketScape leaders in the BP platform market are Appian, Cordys, IBM, OpenText Metastorm, Oracle, Progress Software, and TIBCO.
  • Strategy scores ranged from 457 to 256 out of a possible 500 points. Progress Software had the highest strategy score, followed by Oracle and Fujitsu.
  • Capabilities scoring ranged from 436 to 203 out of a possible 500 points. Cordys had the highest capabilities score, followed by Oracle and TIBCO.
  • Product and portfolio differentiation is a key strategy for gaining and maintaining position in this market. There were five vendors that received top scores for innovation: Appian, Handysoft, Intalio, Nintex, and Progress.
  • The ability to differentiate through value-added capabilities in a vendor's core BPM offering continues to be an important factor for buyers. Cordys, IBM, Oracle, Pegasystems, Progress Software, and TIBCO each received a top overall score.
  • Another major factor in vendor strategy is revenue scalability. One key differentiating strategy for growing revenue is the development of horizontal and vertical solutions that can be added on top of the core BP platform. Cordys, IBM, Pegasystems, and Progress Software received top scores in this category.

The 17 vendors included in this IDC MarketScape are: Appian, AuraPortal, Cordys, Fujitsu, HandySoft, IBM, Intalio, OpenText Metastorm, Nintex, Oracle, Pegasystems, PNMSoft, Polymita, Progress Software, SAP, Singularity, and TIBCO.

"Process complexity is found in many different elements of process improvement. In making selection decisions about a business process platform, it is important to align capabilities around the types of complexity that are anticipated over the next three to five years," said Maureen Fleming, program vice president, Business Process Management and Middleware research.

The IDC report, IDC MarketScape: Business Process Platforms 2011 Vendor Analysis (IDC #228598) assesses the capabilities of vendors to support mid-range to complex process improvement scenarios. BP platforms provide development and runtime environments to improve and automate a wide range of processes and support advanced use cases around orchestration, case management, process interoperability, end-to-end process monitoring, and event-driven process management. That means BP platforms are capable of combining people- and system-centric use cases. Essential guidance for buyers and vendors based on the MarketScape analysis is also provided.

About IDC MarketScape

IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

For more information about IDC MarketScape, please contact Karen Moser at kmoser@idc.com.

About IDC

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 100 countries. For more than 47 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.