Forrester Research

	Tom Pohlmann Vice President, Information Technology Research

Research Coverage

Business Models, High-Tech, Corporate Strategy, Tech Sector Economics, Product & Solutions Strategies

Research Focus

Tom leads Forrester's information technology (IT) research organization, which helps IT professionals ensure business value through forward-looking and pragmatic research and advice. Having worked with Forrester clients for seven years, Tom focuses on the economic and structural nature of the IT economy, as well as issues pertaining to corporate IT leadership.

Tom's most recent research looks at the shift in today's IT ecosystem from a product-led to a services-led delivery model. Additionally, he uses empirical data to describe the link between IT effectiveness and overall company performance, advises CIOs on how to make the most of IT budgets during tough economic times, and describes how leaders should be more adaptive in using their resources — both dollars and people — in the face of shifting business needs.

Under Tom's direction, Forrester developed Business Data Services — a quantitative research study that today reaches more than 12,000 technology decision-makers each year. This research helps both solution vendors and corporate IT executives understand in detail global IT spending, technology adoption, and organizational behaviors.

Previous Work Experience

Tom joined Forrester from NCR, a provider of data warehousing and customer relationship management solutions. Then based in London, he directed a global consulting practice concentrated in the financial services sector. In addition, he was part of the global center of expertise on IT planning and architecture.

Prior to NCR, Tom held consulting positions with both PriceWaterhouse management consulting services and Andersen Consulting. In these roles, he developed expertise in the areas of business process re-engineering and strategic IT planning in the consumer packaged goods and manufacturing industries. Tom worked with joint teams of IT and business executives from companies like GE and Procter & Gamble to tie their IT priorities and budgets to business objectives.

Education

Tom holds a master's of management from the Kellogg Graduate School of Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree in computer science and accounting from the University of Dayton.