New York, India, October 31st, 2011 – HfS Research, the leading advisory analyst firm for global outsourcing and shared services strategies, announced today that the firm has been voted “Outsourcing, BPO and Maintenance Analyst Firm of the Year," while Founder and CEO, Phil Fersht, has been named 2011 "Analyst of the Year," both by the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations (IIAR).

The IIAR's recognition validates the hard work and dedication of the entire HfS Research team, which boasts an innovative approach to research, extensive industry relationships and deep domain-specific knowledge. Furthermore, HfS Research was voted runner-up in the IIAR Analyst Firm of the Year, second only to Gartner Inc. This is an impressive achievement given HfS Research is currently only in its third year of operations.

The firm was selected for its compelling research style, innovative approach to research dissemination and highly skilled use of social media to build a collaborative, research-based community. Over 260 analyst and influencer relations specialists took part in this year’s IIAR selection survey. Fersht’s selection as 2011 Analyst of the Year comes during the distinction’s most competitive year to-date and is the second consecutive time he has been honored with this title

Said HfS Founder and CEO, Phil Fersht, “At HfS, we have always refused to hide our research behind expensive firewalls and have aggressively sought to place our global analyst teams' insights onto the desks of today's corporate decision makers. Today, we have 60,000 subscribers to our research and blog platform, and have embraced our network to keep on the pulse of industry demand for business and IT services to give our clients accessible and relevant real time data. This award is testament to the staying power of our philosophy to change the way research is developed and channelled to market and is a reflection of the hard work, commitment and professional output delivered by the entire HfS Research team. We are all extremely honored by this recognition.”

Jonny Bentwood, IIAR co-founder and coordinator of the IIAR awards survey, said, “The IIAR was delighted to present Analyst of the Year 2011 to Phil Fersht for the second year running. It was a clear win and saw members comment on Phil's innovative and honest approach to research as being key factors.”

Added Bentwood, "With over 260 analyst and influencer relations specialists taking part in this year's survey it was our largest survey to date. These awards provide an insight into the AR professionals' preferences when it comes to working with analysts. The IIAR is very proud of the awards, now in their fourth year, and is a great way of saying 'thank you' to those analysts and analyst firms who have worked so hard to ensure they deliver valued and useful research to the market."

In addition to being voted IIAR’s 2011 Analyst of the Year, Fersht has also been named one of the Powerhouse 25 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP)’s magazine Globalization Today. The Powerhouse 25 is a mix of outsourcing customers, service providers, advisors and academics from around the world and represents the most powerful voices in the outsourcing industry today. For more information see: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0effca68#/0effca68/17

For more information on HfS Research please see HfSResearch.com, follow HfS on Twitter @horses4sources or join their LinkedIn group, The BPO and Offshoring Best Practices Forum.

About HfS Research

HfS Research (www.HfSResearch.com) is the world’s leading research analyst firm and social networking community dedicated exclusively to BPO, IT outsourcing and shared services strategies. With over 60,000 opt-in subscribers, HfS Research boasts the largest dedicated audience in today’s global sourcing industry. Its mission is to provide a unique, collaborative environment for collective research, opinion and knowledge across the industry while integrating expert advisory services for buyers. Launched in 2010, HfS Research is comprised of top, practically engaged business services and technology analysts across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific countries. For more information, join HfS Research on LinkedIn at The BPO and Offshoring Best Practices Forum, follow HfS Research on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/horses4sources, read HfS Research's acclaimed blog called Horses for Sources or visit us at HfSResearch.com.

About the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations (IIAR)

The IIAR is a not-for-profit organisation established to raise awareness of analyst relations and the value of industry analysts, promote best practice amongst analyst relations professionals, enhance communication between analyst firms and vendors, and offer opportunities for AR practitioners to network with their industry peers. Membership is open to everyone in the analyst relations community. To find out more about the benefits of joining and to apply for membership, click here: Why join the IIAR?

Media Contacts for HfS Research

United States

Radha Vij

 +1-212-239-8741      

Radha@gutenbergpr.com 

India

Salma Khan

+91 9916448550      

Salma@gutenbergpr.com