HAMPTON, NH--(Marketwire - May 18, 2009) - TBR proudly announces the publication of its 4Q08 Professional Services and Year-End Benchmark report. For IT services firms, the report provides an analysis of the competitive field, market trends and industry issues, comparing key players' performances on critical metrics such as revenue, cost, profit, utilization, attrition, headcount and offshore ratios and benchmarking market positions. Additionally, buyers of IT services will also find the insights helpful as they make purchasing decisions.

According to the report, intensifying economic turmoil caused another quarter of slowing growth for the majority of the IT services companies. The 2008 IT services growth rate fell into negative territory at -0.2%; however, India-based firms were able to maintain their lead by demonstrating the highest trailing 12-month growth rates. To offset the economic turmoil in established markets, services firms turned to emerging markets -- particularly Asia Pacific, a region not yet as severely impacted by recession. However, TBR cautions firms to balance their approach, as payback from emerging markets tends to be slow.

"In 2008, a bright spot was increased demand for cost-containment solutions and business process outsourcing services as clients sought cost cuts to survive the downturn," said TBR's Director of Professional Services Eugene Zakharov. Looking ahead toward 2009 and 2010, TBR sees clear pockets of opportunity in the public sector and telecom, utilities and healthcare verticals, which will generate strong revenue streams in areas where we expect vendors to aggressively focus their efforts. Margin preservation will also be in vogue during 2009, with firms implementing freezes on hiring and remuneration increases, eliminating redundancies and consolidating processes, and even shuttering unprofitable operations.

Providing commentary on IT services such as strategy and management consulting, systems integration and BPO, ITO and AO, the report covers 33 companies across three geographic regions and four service lines. Included are Accenture, ACS, Atos Origin, Capgemini, Cisco Services, Cognizant, CSC, Dell, Fujitsu HP/EDS, IBM Global Services, Infosys and others. The complete 59-slide PowerPoint publication is available for purchase for $4,995 by contacting TBR's Vice President of Sales James McIlroy (mcilroy@tbri.com or 603-929-1166). Please direct content inquiries to Eugene Zakharov (eugene.zakharov@tbri.com).

Technology Business Research, Inc. (www.tbri.com) is recognized as one of the leading high-tech market research and consulting firms specializing in the analyses of computer, software, networking equipment, wireless, portal and professional services companies, as well as customer satisfaction studies. Serving an international clientele of high-tech manufacturers, IT professionals, end users and financial executives, TBR has continually distinguished itself in the marketplace by providing timely, accurate, high-quality information, market research and business intelligence in a format that is uniquely tailored to clients' needs.