In this third Competitive Profiles of vendors providing offshore/nearshore sourcing services in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), IDC has slightly altered the framework of the study to include vendors native to CEE, as well as international and India-based vendors that have chosen to establish operations in the region to take advantage of lower costs and a highly skilled labor force. This in-depth framework enables IDC to analyze not only vendor performance but also the impact a vendor's presence has on the markets in which it operates. The analysis of vendors in this study follows benchmarks across the four main categories listed above.

In addition to providing valuable vendor-based performance benchmarks, this Competitive Profiles study provides macro-market analysis of the CEE offshore/nearshore sourcing market, recommendations, and guidelines as to how both local and international players can compete in the CEE IT services and business marketplaces.

The findings of this Competitive Profiles report will help end users and vendors alike as they continue to seek the most effective and efficient ways to run their businesses. End users (large enterprises and SMEs) will gain a better perspective regarding the qualifications and abilities of sourcing providers in the region in terms of both technology and business processes. This study will assist offshore/nearshore players in building business models to help them better compete in the region. The document also provides analysis of key market trends and the potential opportunities and pitfalls facing providers on the market.

This study analyzes vendors native to CEE and international and India-based vendors that have established offshore/nearshore sourcing operations in the region across the following four variables:

• Company overview
• Services offered
• Financials and employees
• Sales, customers, and contracts

The study profiles each company based on quantitative data relating to the above four categories for 2008 and offers qualitative analysis of the data.

"Despite a tumultuous year in 2008, the CEE region remains a competitive location from which to deliver services in an offshore or nearshore capacity. While value propositions were slightly impaired in early 2008 due to strengthening local currencies and later by the larger global economic crisis, the region remains a viable sourcing option based on the ability of vendors to guarantee high-quality deliverables on all services (IT, business, and BPO). This will provide dividends for players in CEE in the coming years, as companies seek more efficient ways to run their businesses in light of the economic crisis." - Senior Analyst Curtis Robinson, IDC CEMA