Forecast of cloudy skies from Gartner

The folks from Gartner are at it again, examining the short-term future of the CRM market. Things aren’t so bright in this corner of the crystal ball, however, and the advisory firm predicts that some 25 percent of CRM projects will be postponed or cancelled through 2008.

Gartner analysts chalk up the high rate of postponement and cancellation as “largely a result of a CRM skill shortage – of consultants and systems integrators in particular.” The Gartners also noted that SAP CRM projects are “more likely than projects involving other CRM vendors to run into these problems.” (Now, there was one press mention SAP doesn’t need.) "Demand outstrips supply for skilled, experienced SAP CRM consultants," stated Matthew Goldman, research director for Gartner, in a press release.

Over at TechTarget, Goldman offered some advice on avoiding typical pitfalls, including easing problems in alignment and staffing; working with project goals as they fit into overall goals and objectives of the enterprise as a whole; and careful consideration of resources.

“SAP CRM projects at risk, Gartner says” by Jon Franke can be read at Tech Target.

Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner, Inc. is a combination of four branches devoted to the gathering and analyzing of “technology-related insight”: Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner now has 3,900 associates (including 1,200 research analysts and consultants) in 75 countries worldwide and serves 10,000 organizations.