Ovum says stability, capability and accessibility are 2013 watchwords

That's among key messages from its latest report, which examines IT services bundling and how that approach may influence the IT market in 2013. "The fact that we live in very uncertain times makes investment decision-making even more difficult," comments Ovum IT services principal analyst Jens Butler. "With continuing instability across the global markets – and even in locations with historically robust growth, such as China and India – the outlook for IT services in 2013 is unpredictable," he adds. For Butler, that means manufacturers are likely to be looking for greater reliability from their IT estate – and hence seeking stability, capability and accessibility among external service providers. He suggests that means there will be a push to fill out IT portfolios – especially across newer technologies such as mobility, analytics, social and cloud – even if that means looking to single suppliers to deliver services. However, Butler advises IT directors to ensure that bundled services do not become yet another "black box engagement". He recommends that they invest in the governance experience and solid vendor management models they have already amassed.