RampRate Sourcing Advisors, Strategic Research

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Payment Processing  |   Insource vs. Outsource  |   Strategic Business Planning

Strategic Research & Business Planning Services

RampRate's unique combination of sourcing, consulting, and research services allows us to see emerging trends in the market on a granular level, often times before typical market analysts can draw meaningful conclusions. Our street-level, in-the-field work provides us with deep visibility into business models and trends much earlier than the market at large can see them.

Each Research Service engagement leverages the continually updated
SPY Index™ to provide accurate market data on the supply side — including supplier offerings, historical performance, and customer satisfaction — as well as the demand side — reflecting user needs, priorities, and willingness to pay for IT services. Our hard data is combined with focused, in-depth primary research in developing concrete recommendations for market buyers and vendors across vertical markets.

Types of Research Services

STRATEGIC RESEARCH

RampRate's industry-leading research staff uses our SPY Index™ and other primary research data resources to build business plans, create new architecture models, and evaluate market alternatives for your internal planning. We can easily assess the financial and operational impact on your business so you can make the right decision for your company.

CUSTOMER VOICE STUDIES

One-on-one, in-depth interviews and the SPY Index™ enable our analysts to determine the priorities, drivers, trigger points, and adoption hurdles affecting core and target customers.

GROWTH STRATEGY STUDIES

RampRate will work with you to determine the optimum stage in the adoption cycle for your target markets and recommend specific actions to accelerate adoption of your products and services.

CUSTOMER METRICS STUDIES

Using SPY Index™ spending data and in-depth customer interviews, we can investigate the core metrics that customers use to evaluate and justify their IT investments during and after sourcing decisions.

GO-TO-MARKET SIZING AND ANALYSIS STUDIES

RampRate has extensive experience with developing interactive market sizing tools for of nascent, emerging, and mature segments using SPY Index™ data on current usage and IT spending. RampRate combines SPY Index data with custom primary research to identify the specific implications of the client's go-to-market strategy.

If you have general exploratory questions or would like a consultation with one of our Strategic Research experts, please request a consultation.

Recent Research Projects

Digital Media Planning and Market Research

Content Delivery/CDNs Large File Content Delivery in the UK

Synopsis: A major media organization headquartered in the UK engaged RampRate to assess its current content delivery arrangements and create a strategic 12-24 month content delivery plan including both traditional (e.g. CDN) and alternative (e.g. P2P) delivery methodologies.

Results: RampRate created a financial assessment of the client's projected cost and a benchmark against prevailing market rates to help establish a proper budget for the new services being launched in the next fiscal year.

Content Delivery Costs: Micro and Macro Views

Synopsis: Within one week, RampRate delivered exceptionally well-received presentations at two major streaming-related events. In the first presentation, RampRate used the SPY Index™ data from more than 90 recent vendor quotes to assess the evolution of content delivery costs across charging models and commit rates, providing the public with an unprecedented transparency with regard to current market rates. In the second, RampRate used its research base to put CDN and other delivery costs in the context of the 7 top digital media business models to date, leading a panel of experts in a discussion of how delivery costs will impact the big picture in media.

Results: RampRate's work was met with universal approval and has gained the company several new clients. Presentations from these conferences are available on request as research samples.

Pricing and Preferences for CDN Market

Synopsis: RampRate undertook a self-funded research project, interviewing 44 buyers of CDN services about their preferences, perceptions, and pricing. The goal of the study was to gather customer input for the Service Provider Intelligence Index-SPY INDEX-and compare customer prices and requirements to vendor list prices and product lines.

Results: RampRate published an industry-leading Executive Brief on the study findings, "Sourcing CDN Services," with guidance to buyers on market dynamics, vendor capabilities, and current pricing levels. The Executive Brief is available at no cost. Contact RampRate Sourcing Advisors for your copy.

Competitive Analysis and Financial Flow Research for Media Delivery

Synopsis: Building on the "Value Chain Research" delivered in April 2004 (see below), the media and entertainment service engaged RampRate to perform a thorough analysis of seven major competitors. This research also analyzed the financial flows of the content delivery value chain for three content revenue models: pay-peruse/ view, subscriptions, and "free" content financed by corporate marketing and advertising budgets (or other spending by parties other than content consumers).

Results: The client was able to prioritize segments and opportunity within the key value chain elements to (a) have the greatest impact on overall profitability and (b) owned or influenced value chain operations and evolution. The client used the competitor analysis to reevaluate its competitive strategies.

Value Chain Research on Content Delivery and Online Media Services

Synopsis: A media and entertainment service engaged RampRate to define, size, and analyze the content delivery value chain for online media services. RampRate analysis provided guidance on o Processes involved of the content delivery value chain for consumer-oriented content, to the PC, the television, and mobile devices

• Market sizing of the "service operations" segment of the value chain, i.e.,
• the processes involved in delivering content over IP-networks.
• Identification of the leading vendors operating in the value chain segments.
• Analysis of the technical and business pain points in the market

Results: The client was able to understand where its services fit into the value chain, as well as the potential opportunity within the various segments. This project let to the financial flow and competitor analysis (see above).

If you have general exploratory questions or would like a consultation with one of our Strategic Research experts, please request a consultation.

Digital Home & Consumer Media Usage

Best Practices Research on Subscription Video on Demand

Synopsis: A media and entertainment content company engaged RampRate to research the guidelines and architecture requirements for building a greenfield VOD datacenter capable of delivering approximately 4,000 hours of programming at digital cable quality to a North American audience. The research analyzed the baseline for hardware, software, encoding, storage, distribution, and delivery requirements for the initial deployment scenario and the comparative build-versus-buy costs of video distribution models (e.g., download, streaming, data casting).

Results: Based on RampRate's research, the client built a business plan that included timelines, investment requirements, and essential content and technology partnerships for a new VOD service offering.

Digital Home Strategy Analysis

Synopsis: A leading hardware manufacturer engaged RampRate to create a strategy for accelerating consumer adoption of digital media and its products, while enhance in the vendor's brand identity and profits. RampRate evaluated four levels of market engagement across six types of potential content offerings to determine the tradeoffs between the goals specified. RampRate's extensive report also educated the client's executives on gross margins and operating margins of the digital media value chain.

Results: RampRate's analysis focused the vendor's annual resource planning meeting to develop a long-range strategy for succeeding in the digital home.

Digital Home Strategy Analysis

Synopsis: A leading hardware manufacturer engaged RampRate to create a strategy for accelerating consumer adoption of digital media and its products, while enhancing the vendor's brand identity and profits. RampRate evaluated four levels of market engagement across six types of potential content offerings to determine the tradeoffs between the goals specified. RampRate's extensive report also educated the client's executives on gross margins and operating margins of the digital media value chain.

Results: RampRate's analysis focused the vendor's annual resource planning meeting to develop a long-range strategy for succeeding in the digital home.

Feature Prioritization Research for Media Services Offering

Synopsis: A major media platform provider engaged RampRate to develop a prioritized feature list for an upcoming server release. RampRate performed one-on-one interviews with 50 current customers and partners on their uses and preferences. RampRate performed a follow-on survey with 35 study participants to clarify feature differentiation.

Results: The client formulated their feature roadmap based on the research findings. RampRate recommended key features for top consideration by the client, and provided a weighted priority list for other features. RampRate also provided analysis of current and near-term customer concerns with the client, uses of digital media, codec references, and other related issues that emerged during the research.

Rich Media Usage Research

Synopsis: A rich media recording vendor engaged RampRate to research gaps and difficulties of enterprises in capturing, preparing, and distributing corporate presentations that include rich media elements (audio and video). RampRate performed in-depth interviews with enterprise media managers to determine the potential value of a rich media recorder, and developed a marketing-oriented white paper for the client.

Results: The 6-page white paper is receiving up to 50 downloads per week from the client's Web site, by current and potential academic, government, and enterprise customers.

Strategy Evaluation of Media in the Enterprise

Synopsis: During the fiscal year budgeting cycle, a major media platform provider engaged RampRate to perform rapid primary research with 30 heavy users of digital media in the enterprise to inform resource allocations and budget priorities. RampRate's research reviewed the current enterprise strategy, interviewed key channel partners and customers regarding this strategy, and analyzed existing survey and research data.

Results: The client re-prioritized the enterprise market to a limited extent, with particular emphasis on three product segments that were lacking in the previous roadmap.

If you have general exploratory questions or would like a consultation with one of our Strategic Research experts, please request a consultation.

Wireless Communications

Value Chain Research on Mobile: Application Developers and ISVs

Synopsis: An enterprise software company engaged RampRate to research the mobile application developer and ISV ecosystem for non-voice applications to cell phones and handheld devices. Using primary research with mobile application and content developers, application distributors, and wireless carriers, RampRate defined the business models, business scenarios, and financial flows of the mobile application market. RampRate analyzed the role of RampRate profiled developer expectations and preferences on current program design, timing, and business models.

Results: Based on RampRate's research, the client developed a roadmap for extending its enterprise software to cell phones and handheld devices, and created a branch of its developer program targeted at mobile ISVs and developers.

Opportunity Analysis for Mobile Media Software Platform

Synopsis: A major mobile media software vendor engaged RampRate to rapidly determine the market opportunity for a new platform offering for mobile operators, to appraise the competitive landscape, and to evaluate its partnership/acquisition strategy. RampRate evaluated mobile media offerings of 92 operators representing 89% of global subscribers and 130 industry players, with in-depth analysis of 79 competitors/partners in six segments. In addition to strategic advice, RampRate delivered an extensible market analysis tool for building growth scenarios and identifying new partners.

Results: RampRate validated the feasibility and revenue potential of the business plan. Based on RampRate's analysis of low revenue potential in its initial targets, the ISV re-evaluated its market entry tactics. RampRate's detailed forecast model and competitor analysis tool were used to recast the business plan under a variety of scenarios.

Affinity Market Research for Potential MVNO Offering

Synopsis: A major entertainment content company engaged RampRate and a research partner to evaluate potential branding and affinity partners for a new MVNO offering. RampRate performed detailed research into 15 potential markets, to determine market size/opportunity, technical maturity, demographics, average spend rate, etc.

Results: The client began immediate pursuit of 2 MVNO markets with specific partners identified by RampRate and its research partner. Four other markets were slated for further research after the current budgeting cycle was complete.

The Role of the PC in the Wireless Ecosystem

Synopsis: An enterprise software vendor engaged RampRate to develop the research and framework for a go-to-market product plan for a software package designed to:

• Enable communication between the PC and wireless devices
• Interoperate with the media formats
• Enable wireless device manufacturers and carriers to (a) realize the client as an invaluable partner, (b) increase revenue opportunities, and (c) enhance relationship with the customer.

Results: RampRate's analysis of over-the-Air (OTA) revenues for operators and the potential impact of the PC enabled the client to develop a product plan to (a) enhance communication between wireless devices and the client's software, (b) create solutions that will extend the reach of both wireless carriers and device manufacturers, and (c) create business case solutions detailing why carriers and device manufacturers should adopt client software to enhance inter-device communication.

If you have general exploratory questions or would like a consultation with one of our Strategic Research experts, please request a consultation.

IT Operations and Sourcing

Infrastructure Planning for Startup

Synopsis: Several months before the launch of its service, a start-up radio station with an innovative business model approached RampRate to procure content delivery services. RampRate assessed a variety of potential cost models, including revenue-sharing and other unconventional arrangements before identifying the optimal model for meeting the client's budget without compromising long-run scalability or profit.

Results: RampRate's research allowed the client to meet its target expense rates by reshaping the charge model used by prospective CDN vendors. It is currently engaged in a follow-on process to identify a media management and analytics platform for the same client.

Strategy Planning for Service Provider Industry Association

Synopsis: The leadership of a global Internet service provider industry association engaged RampRate to validate and extend an early draft of its 2005-2006 program strategy. RampRate performed one-on-one interviews with 25 member organizations, testing the feasibility of proposed organizational and strategy changes as well as collecting tactical input for fulfilling the association's missions.

Results: The industry association postponed a major change in membership structure. RampRate's analysis also helped the organization streamline its communication methods and identify roadblocks to effectiveness of best practices working groups.

Opportunity Assessment of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Telecom Markets

Synopsis: A major media platform vendor engaged RampRate to analyze potential opportunities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 telecom market segments for the platform. RampRate also summarized opportunities in seven adjacent market segments, such as multi-dwelling units (MDUs).

Results: The client used RampRate's research to inform its channel strategy for Tier 2 and Tier 3 telecom vendors. It also used study results to understand specific holes and scoped the market opportunity within Tier 2/3 markets.

If you have general exploratory questions or would like a consultation with one of our Strategic Research experts, please request a consultation.

General Business Planning

Business Constituency Appeal Analysis

Synopsis: An enterprise software vendor hired RampRate to develop a tactical plan for improving its appeal to specific business constituencies within corporations. Utilizing surveys, focus groups, and secondary research, RampRate assessed the client's competitive position and made tactical recommendations on improving the brand image and usefulness of the client's offerings to specific segments of the target constituency.

Results: RampRate's research translated large-scale strategic mandates into an actionable plan for improving the client's image with the target business group in its client base.

Global Partner Support Programs

Synopsis: A global technology provider engaged RampRate to assess the support capabilities that its distribution partners were providing to global audiences. Using primary and secondary research, RampRate evaluated the range of options that were on the table and provided recommendations on influencing partner support strategies.

Results: RampRate's insight was used to reshape the tracking and support of partner professional services offerings.

Ecosystem Research on Child and Family Safe Computing

Synopsis: A consumer software company engaged RampRate to research the child and family-safe computing ecosystem and identify the most fruitful areas for joint ventures, partnerships, and/or acquisitions. RampRate analyzed more than 200 commercial and nonprofit entities, quantifying their impact on the social, political, financial, and technical aspects of the ecosystem.

Results: RampRate delivered a customizable analysis framework that the client could use to evaluate future partnerships under a variety of scenarios. The client has since engaged RampRate for two similar studies in other security-related areas.

Global Consumer Security Practices Survey

Synopsis: A security-focused Internet service provider industry organization engaged RampRate to administer and analyze a global consumer survey benchmarking current user practices and the security role that consumers envisioned for the organization's members. With a data-collection partner organization, RampRate surveyed from more than 2,100 consumers in 14 countries around the world. RampRate then analyzed the data (by aggregate, demographic, geography, technology, etc.) to develop actionable strategies for the industry organization and member companies.

Results: RampRate's analysis challenged many established perceptions in the industry and identified tangible impact of security on the consumers' vendor selection and loyalty that will contribute to raising awareness of security in the industry.

Core Cost Metrics Research for CRM

Synopsis: A major CRM software vendor engaged RampRate to identify the core metrics that its customers use to evaluate, measure, and justify the value of CRM products. This study developed preliminary rankings of cost metrics and standards in order of importance to the customer. This study also evaluated how cost-related marketing and positioning messages resonate with the current and potential customer base.

Results: RampRate provided a cost analysis framework for use by the client's customers during the sales/evaluation process and ongoing management of CRM software.

"Voice of the CRM Customer" Research

Synopsis: A major CRM software vendor engaged RampRate to understand customer adoption, satisfaction, and preferences for its CRM products. The project surveyed over 100 current users of CRM products to gather data on core CRM usage, buying patterns, perceptions of competitors, and emerging CRM needs.

Results: The client used RampRate's results in its current market positioning and in developing its product roadmap for the next 24 months. The results also clarified the importance of TCO in the decision buying process and identify additional areas to "add" business (expand the client's CRM offering).

If you have general exploratory questions or would like a consultation with one of our Strategic Research experts, please request a consultation.