This IDC study looks at vendor performance in the Western European supplier relationship management applications and services markets. Vendor shares in the SRM software competitive market are provided for 2003. Market sizes of SRM applications are provided for each of 16 Western European countries 2003?2008. The current market context is analyzed, and a discussion is provided of market drivers and inhibitors. Industry-specific trends are reviewed, geo-political and economic trends are examined, and the 2003 vendor performance for the top 10 SRM vendors is profiled, along with several sourcing event services and consulting companies. This study provides essential guidance for SRM applications and services providers.

The analysis in this study provides valuable input to software vendors competing in the SRM markets. According to Jennifer Kemmeter, senior research analyst with IDC's European Software Group, and Erik Bruin, research manager in European Services, SRM software spending is currently concentrated in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. These countries are the biggest hubs for Western European manufacturing, retail, and finance companies. The public sector in these nations has also been fast to adopt procurement and sourcing solutions, especially in defense.