Cutter's Research Methodology

Cutter has a multi-pronged approach to ensuring both the integrity and the quality of its research. The key element is the fact that Cutter's consultants are practitioners rather than desk-bound analysts. Their research is hands-on and their conclusions are based on direct experience with what is working best in IT in leading companies worldwide. These best-in-class consultants have done, and are currently doing, the groundbreaking work in their respective fields. They offer the first-hand experience that can come only from working to assist Fortune 1000 enterprises around the world.

1. No Ties to Vendors
   Cutter is the only analyst firm that has no ties to vendors. Its focus has always been on the user community and in this way it ensures total independence and unbiased, objective reporting.

2. Expert Content Providers
   Cutter's reliance on its exclusive network of over 100 internationally recognized experts who have collectively published hundreds of books (many the definitive works in their field) ensures quality much as the stellar credentials of the faculties of the leading universities guarantee the excellence of those institutions.

3. Peer Review
   Cutter also relies on open debate as a means of ensuring it is providing clients with the best advice and guidance available. Cutter's experts need to be able to defend their analyses and conclusions in give-and-take discussions with their peers. The end result is improved quality.

4. Survey Methodology
   Cutter conducts formal and informal surveys for each practice area on an ongoing basis. Surveys include participants from companies worldwide to gauge company activity/choices/strategies by industry, company size, and geographic region. This frequent polling serves as an important mechanism for ensuring the validity of our conclusions plus helps Cutter track and forecast business-IT trends.

   Cutter makes the extra effort to ensure that its survey results reflect reality. Results are not reported for respondent groups of less than 100 and we report the number of respondents when we publish statistical analyses. We throw out outlying responses, correct for the overrepresentation of any one group, and eliminate responses from vendors when those responses skew the reality that users of IT experience.