As-a-service values continue to boom, up 48 percent year over year

Traditional market slumps to its lowest point in a decade

LONDON, Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The value of as-a-service sourcing contracts reached an all-time high in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, but a drop in traditional sourcing resulted in a weak quarter overall, according to the findings of the 3Q17 EMEA ISG Index™ released by Information Services Group (ISG) (NASDAQ: III), a leading global technology research and advisory firm.

The EMEA ISG Index™, which measures commercial sector outsourcing contracts with an annual contract value (ACV) of €4 million or more, shows the as-a-service sector continued its upward trajectory, soaring 48 percent, to €1 billion, as companies continue to seek cloud and digital solutions to improve operating efficiency and develop new growth opportunities. This boost helped counter the significant shortfall in traditional sourcing, which slumped 43 percent, to €1.3 billion, its lowest point in a decade. The falloff in traditional sourcing, upon which EMEA depends more than other regions, caused combined ACV to drop 23 percent, to €2.3 billion, due in part to a lack of large contracts in the quarter.

In contrast, the global picture is extremely positive. Global ACV reached €8.5 billion in the third quarter, up 16 percent over the prior year. As-a-service sourcing continued its rapid growth, reaching a record high of €3.7 billion in the quarter. Traditional sourcing showed modest growth at a global level, nudging up 2 percent year over year.

A brighter picture emerges when looking at EMEA's performance on a year-to-date basis. During the first nine months of 2017, the region's combined ACV was €9 billion, up 3 percent, based on a strong first quarter overall, and year-to-date growth of 51 percent, to €2.7 billion, in as-a-service sourcing.

Market Insights

Looking at traditional sourcing trends by geography, the UK, despite a weak third quarter, posted its strongest year-to-date performance in five years. UK ACV, at €2.5 billion, was up 15 percent year over year, while the number of contracts rose 13 percent for the same period.

The €150 million awarded in France in the third quarter was up 15 percent compared with the same period in 2016, driven by a 38 percent increase in the number of contract signings. France, boosted by an especially robust second quarter, saw year-to-date ACV and contract activity rise by approximately one-third over the prior year.

The DACH market had a weak third quarter, as elections in Germany slowed buying decisions. Year to date, DACH ACV is down 25 percent, albeit on a tough compare with 2016's record showing. The €1.7 billion in ACV is the third-strongest year-to-date performance for DACH in a decade.

The Nordics market, though flat by number of contracts, fell 27 percent year over year due to the absence of large deals.

Sector Breakdown

A year-to-date analysis shows mixed results among industries. Financial Services posted strong gains in both traditional and as-a-service sourcing. Year to date, the Financial Services sector in EMEA has invested more than $2 billion in as-a-service technologies. The midsize verticals of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Business Services also recorded double-digit gains in both traditional and as-a-service sourcing. However, the large verticals of Manufacturing and Telecom stumbled.

Forecast

Barry Matthews, partner, ISG, said: "Despite a disappointing third quarter, the EMEA market year to date is showing modest growth, with record as-a-service contracting not quite able to counter the drop in traditional sourcing activity. Macroeconomic events in EMEA – the recent German election and continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit – continue to slow buying decisions. Nonetheless, as-a-service spending will continue to grow significantly through next year, as the imperative on businesses to find agile solutions to boost productivity and reduce costs continues."

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About the ISG Index™

Now in its 60th consecutive quarter, the ISG Index™ provides a quarterly review of the latest sourcing industry data and trends for clients, service providers, analysts and the media. For nearly 15 years, it has been the authoritative source for marketplace intelligence related to outsourcing transaction structures and terms, industry adoption, geographic prevalence and service provider performance.

The Q3 2017 EMEA ISG Index™ was presented during a conference call and webcast for media and analysts on October 17, 2017.

About ISG

ISG (Information Services Group) (NASDAQ: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including 75 of the top 100 enterprises in the world, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; technology strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry's most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.

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SOURCE Information Services Group, Inc.