The SAP services market is growing as more sourcing and vendor management (SVM) professionals look to service providers to act as advisers and strategic partners, according to the latest release of the Forrester Wave: SAP Services Providers, Q1 2014.
With a much wider array of technologies within the SAP stable – including SAP HANA, mobility and cloud solutions – organisations are also being forced to look at alternatives to in-house SAP support. Service providers who expand their capabilities will continue to have a positive impact on client value.
Expertise in digital transformation will also be in hot demand in the market, as IT buyers seek partners who can provide skills in new technologies, create joint solutions and help them to successfully deliver value to their customers.
The report evaluated global SAP service providers which had at least $1 billion in SAP-related revenue, at least 5000 SAP practitioners and broad expertise across industries, geographies, and SAP solutions/modules.
Forrester rated Accenture and IBM as leading the pack, due to their significant investments in newer technologies and commitment to demonstrate the possibilities these solutions and platforms offer.
As may be expected, SAP Services is in a category by itself, according to Forrester, leading the way in bleeding-edge technology.
Also in the ‘Leaders’ category were Capgemini and Deloitte, offering a strong portfolio of services backed by deep digital expertise, while Infosys, NTT Data and HP are all continuing to move up the business value chain through heavy investments in leading-edge SAP technology areas coupled with strategy and process consulting capabilities.
