IBM Named Top Hosted Service Provider in Western Europe

"At Ovum, our rankings are based on the company's revenues from hosted services, which for this report we have included services that some companies may have re-labeled as ASP or utility computing," said Katy Ring of Ovum. "After analyzing each company's hosted services offerings and estimating their revenues, we believe that IBM was the top provider in Western Europe."

About IBM Global Services
IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider, generating record revenue and signings in 2003 of $42.6 billion and $55.5 billion, respectively. Some 180,000 professionals in more than 160 countries help clients integrate information technology with business value -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. Leveraging IBM's unequalled scope and scale, IBM Global Services delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes -- across companies and through business partners -- that enable clients to benefit from the on demand business model by saving money and transforming their businesses to be more competitive. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/services.

About Ovum
Ovum is a leading authority on telecoms, software and IT services, with unique expertise where these sectors converge. The company delivers essential advice on market trends and drivers, and unrivalled insight into companies, markets and technologies. Ovum offers a range of integrated services that includes tailored consultancy, advisory services that give clients direct access to our analysts and specialist research. Its expertise is based on more than two decades of research conducted globally.

Ovum has a unique insight into global markets through offices in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. The company is resolutely independent: we do not endorse or accept sponsorship from anybody. Ovum's experts spot the short-term issues that will have an immediate impact on our clients' business, and advise on the longer-term visionary aspects that form the basis of their strategic planning. More information on Ovum, its customers and its independence is available at www.ovum.com.