Institute of Industry Analyst Relations Names HfS Research's Founder, Phil Fersht, IIAR Analyst of the Year 2010


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - December 20, 2010) - HfS Research, the foremost advisory analyst firm and social networking community focused on helping enterprises make complex decisions with their business process and IT outsourcing strategies, announced that its founder, CEO and Head of Research, Phil Fersht, was named IIAR Analyst of the Year 2010 by the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations (IIAR).  This is the most coveted global award for industry analysts in technology and services.

This year's selection came after the IIAR conducted its largest survey yet to identify the analysts AR professionals believe are the best. The IIAR polled more than 150 participants. In announcing the award, the IIAR noted Fersht's fresh opinion, his unafraid nature, his great perspective, as well as his use of social media to conduct research with users. Moreover, the IIAR pointed out Fersht's sphere of influence and how he has a wide impact without the massive infrastructure enjoyed by larger firms. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the IIAR added that Fersht is changing the landscape in a very positive way.

"When we founded HfS Research in early 2010, we knew we had a unique opportunity to leverage our massive social media presence to establish our analyst brand," said Phil Fersht, HfS Research Founder, CEO and Head of Research. "This year's accomplishments have proven nothing short of amazing -- in less than one year, we already have ten analysts worldwide, 40,000 subscribers to our research, and have now proven we can influence markets as effectively as the likes of research giants such as Gartner and Forrester. The recognition from the largest body of analyst relations professionals at the IIAR is proof that our hard work is paying off."

Jonny Bentwood, IIAR board member, said, "The IIAR are delighted to honor Phil as analyst of the year for 2010. His independence, opinions and fresh thinking are truly valued in today's competitive environment. Congratulations."

Mark Reed-Edwards, HfS Research's vice president of Marketing, added, "As we wind down a great year, we'd like to thank the IIAR and the colleagues who voted for us. Now, as we look ahead to 2011, with a significant tailwind, HfS Research is positioned like never before. In less than a year, we have built an unmatched global team and now have a powerful presence in the industry."

About the IIAR
The IIAR is a not-for-profit organisation established to raise awareness of analyst relations and the value of industry analysts, promote best practice amongst analyst relations professionals, enhance communication between analyst firms and vendors, and offer opportunities for AR practitioners to network with their industry peers.

About the HfS Research
HfS Research is the foremost advisory analyst firm and social networking community focused on helping enterprises make complex decisions with their business process and IT outsourcing strategies. Led by industry expert Phil Fersht, the HfS Research team is a multi-disciplinary group of analysts across North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific regions, with deep domain knowledge in Business Process Outsourcing, Information Technology Services and Cloud Business Services. With 40,000 subscribers, HfS Research provides the most impactful and frequently-visited global collaborative community platform in the global services industry, providing rapid and insightful commentary, analysis and debate of enterprise outsourcing dynamics. The organization is unique in the fact that it integrates personable social networking with market research and advisory services.

HfS Research's Sourcing Executive Council, dubbed the "HfS 25," is an elite group of 25 buy-side sourcing thought leaders, created to be the preeminent influencer of the direction of the sourcing industry. The Council is a by-invitation-only program designed to foster networking, debate, and best-practice sharing amongst the most senior sourcing executives of large global enterprises. This powerful forum is shaping the outsourcing industry, influencing buyers, service providers and intermediaries across both BPO and ITO areas.

Launched in 2007, HfS Research's acclaimed blog "Horses for Sources" today has more than 120,000 monthly visitors across the global outsourcing industry, and is widely recognized as the leading destination for collective insight, research and open debate of industry issues and developments. The HfS LinkedIn community is thriving with over 11,300 industry professionals sharing views and information daily. More information about Horses for Sources can be accessed at www.hfsresearch.com. The company can be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/horses4sources and LinkedIn by joining The BPO and Offshoring Best Practices Forum.

For more information about HfS Research, please email research@HfSResearch.com.