How To Use

The EMA Radar Report™

The Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) Radar Report™ provides a holistic view of

products in a particular market from the perspective of an IT user. It is fundamental and criti-

cal that the reader understand this is a starting point for an in-depth evaluation, rather than an

ending point. There is neither a single set of characteristics nor any single solution that will

satisfy all end users. Each organization should determine their specific priorities and evaluate

products on that basis. The Radar Report can help determine key features and characteristics

and allow a faster start to an organization’s analysis. You need to find the criteria that matter

the most and select those products that scored best on those criteria for further evaluation.

Start by reviewing the market landscape and key characteristics

The report begins with an overview of the specific technology to provide the framework and

perspective EMA took to define the space, identify the key vendors, and determine the criteria

from which to measure the various products. To get the most out of the EMA Radar Report,

you should review this overview so you have an understanding of how EMA views the space

and the important functions and characteristics of products reviewed.

Review the market Radar chart

The key summary of the Radar Report analysis is contained in the EMA Radar chart. This

chart plots products on two key measures – Product Strength and Cost Efficiency. This is the

point at which the cost to acquire, stand-up and operate the product (Cost Efficiency) inter-

sects with the usefulness and flexibility of the product (Product Strength). The chart contains

diagonal bands that segment the area of the chart by the value delivered by the products.

The key summary of the Radar Report analysis is contained in the EMA Radar chart.

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• Value Leader products have significant scores on both dimensions and are the highest

rated products in the report.

• Strong Value products may have strong scores on one dimension with good scores on the

other dimension, or medium scores on both dimensions.

• Specific Value products, with overall lower scores, have unique value on certain

characteristics and are a good fit for the right situation.

• Limited Value products are missing key capabilities while being costly to acquire, install

and/or operate.

As an organization considers the vendors mapped on the Radar chart, individual priorities

should influence the product characteristics of interest. As depicted in the chart below, the

priorities may be to focus on vendors with the strongest product, accepting higher prices or

more demanding install and/or ongoing administration. An organization may require only

moderate features and favor a product that is less expensive or easier to install and/or admin-

ister. An organization may focus on vendors that balance the mix of features, cost and ease

of deployment.

As an organization considers the vendors mapped on the Radar chart,

individual priorities should influence the product characteristics of interest.

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©2010 Enterprise Management Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.