Our Business Gartner's independent research is the fundamental building block for all Gartner services. The findings from this research can be delivered through several different media depending on a client's specific business needs, preferences and objectives. They include: Gartner Research & Events — advice for IT professionals, technology companies and technology investors in the form of research reports, briefings or events. Gartner's research covers a vast range of global IT issues. The research agenda is defined by our clients' needs, focusing on the critical issues, opportunities and challenges they face every day. Research content, presented in the form of reports, briefings, updates and related tools, is delivered directly to the client's desktop. Gartner's 650 analysts provide in-depth analysis on virtually all aspects of technology and telecommunications, including hardware, software and systems, services, IT management, market data and forecasts, and vertical industry issues. Events such as symposia and conferences give clients live access to insights developed from Gartner's research in a very concentrated way. In 2004, Gartner events attracted nearly 31,000 participants. Gartner Symposium, offered each spring and fall in various international locations, is the largest and most strategic conference for senior IT and business professionals. S ymposium is combined with ITxpo, an exhibition where the latest technology products and solutions are demonstrated. Gartner also offers conferences on specialized topics such as outsourcing, mobile and wireless, customer relationship management, application integration and business intelligence in many locations around the world. Gartner Executive Programs — peer networking services and membership programs designed specifically for CIOs and other senior executives. The benefits of participating in a Gartner Executive Program include faster decision-making cycles, the ability to apply proven practices from peer organizations and smarter IT spending decisions. The result is that CIOs and their teams become more effective as business leaders within their organizations. Executive Programs are membership programs that leverage the knowledge and expertise of Gartner in ways that are specific to the CIO's needs, and offer powerful members-only communities for peer-based collaboration. Members also receive advice and counsel from a personal relationship manager who understands their goals and can ensure the most effective support from Gartner. With a membership of more than 3,300 CIOs, EXP represents the largest network of CIOs worldwide. Best Practices Programs bring together senior business and IT leaders for exclusive events, multi-client research studies and ad hoc peer exchange forums. These programs allow clients to learn from the experiences of their peers and share best practices in order to solve common business problems, improve corporate performance and drive greater effectiveness. These programs facilitate valuable member-to-member relationships based on experience, issues, location, industry and personal interest. Gartner Consulting — customized engagements that allow CIOs and other business executives to apply our knowledge to their specific situation, with an emphasis on outsourcing and IT management. Gartner consulting services are provided by approximately 550 senior consultants and focus on selected areas that are critical to clients today. Unlike many competitors, Gartner does not offer implementation services that would compromise Gartner's independence and objectivity. Sourcing (Outsourcing, Off-Shoring, BPO). Virtually every major enterprise is considering the issue of IT outsourcing, offshore resources and business process outsourcing (BPO). Gartner consultants provide advice and project management support across the four stages of the sourcing process: strategy, evaluation and selection of partners, contract development, and relationship management. IT Management and Measurement. Successful IT organizations must operate with maximum effectiveness and efficiency while delivering services that address the business and process issues of their enterprise. Gartner consultants provide advice and support that leverage the intelligence of Gartner's research to address and solve the top issues of the IT organization. Federal Government. Gartner is highly experienced in developing IT solutions that meet the unique challenges faced by federal agencies as they attempt to serve the public's needs. Budgeting, procurement and re-engineering are just some of the issues Gartner consultants have addressed in the public sector arena. Market and Business Strategies. The intelligence Gartner gathers through market research, client interaction and analysis is unique in the marketplace. Gartner consultants leverage this intelligence to assist technology companies in identifying market demand, improving products and defining the competitive landscape.