BOSTON, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Global spending on business intelligence and performance management applications will reach $57.1B in 2008, according to a report released today by AMR Research.

The study, which surveyed 400 IT and business leaders across Europe, China, and the United States, found that the spending emphasis in BI/PM software turned to tools and infrastructure in 2008 -- a 180-degree turn from the focus on information-driven and content-specific applications like dashboards and planning systems in 2007.

The study also notes a marked jump in external consulting spending (a combination of outsourced services and integration).

"External consulting spending was less than expected in 2007 as companies hired internally to meet anticipated needs," noted John Hagerty, vice president and research fellow at AMR Research. "But it has bounced back in a big way this year. We estimate this category will surpass $20.8B, or 37%, of total BI/PM spending in 2008."

Additional highlights of this report include: -- Global spending for 2008 is strong, but U.S. software purchases have slowed substantially. -- Long-term sustainable growth is likely for BI/PM spending for the next three to five years.

The market figures in this spending report are based entirely on enterprise user statements and budget plans for spending on BI and reporting tools; dashboards and scorecarding products; planning, budgeting, and forecasting applications; analytic infrastructure; and analytical applications.

For more information about this report, please visit http://www.amrresearch.com/ or call (617) 542-6600.

About AMR Research:

Bold Ideas. Compelling Research. Pragmatic Advice. AMR Research is the No. 1 research firm focused on the intersection of business processes with value chain and enterprise technologies. Founded in 1986, AMR Research provides subscription advisory services and peer networking opportunities to operations and IT executives in the consumer products, life sciences, manufacturing, and retail sectors. To learn more about our research and services, visit http://www.amrresearch.com/.

Press Contact: Maura McGreevy mmcgreevy@amrresearch.com 617-350-1745

CONTACT: Maura McGreevy of AMR Research, +1-617-350-1745,
mmcgreevy@amrresearch.com

Web site: http://www.amrresearch.com/

• Gartner Says Worldwide Business Intelligence, Analytics and Performance Management Grew 22 Percent in 2008