IBM announced that analyst firm, Gartner, has named IBM a leader in its February 2009 report, “Magic Quadrant for Data Center Outsourcing Services, Western Europe.”

IBM has made strategic investments to develop a portfolio of repeatable, automated services solutions that enables the company to deliver business value rapidly and reliably to clients across a range of industries. In tandem, IBM has built a massive global delivery network which incorporates over 80 strategic centers around the world and serves thousands of clients. IBM’s global delivery capabilities are a key differentiator as they allow the company to deliver services seamlessly by harnessing IBM’s infrastructure, processes, tools and skilled resources. The global delivery centers are a key component of IBM’s strategy as a globally integrated enterprise, allowing outsourcing clients to capitalize on a global talent pool to drive profitable growth.

“IBM has transformed its services model globally, and we believe Gartner’s assessment of our outsourcing services leadership in Western Europe underscores the success of IBM’s global business model,” said Maureen Sweeny, IBM general manager, Strategic Outsourcing in Europe. “IBM’s multi-country delivery model, technical excellence and Research and Development arm make us particularly strong during the economic downturn in terms of helping clients transform their business and reduce IT infrastructure cost and risk.”

The report’s overall evaluation is based on companies’ ability to execute (services offered and capabilities; overall viability; sales execution and pricing; market responsiveness and track record; and customer experience) and completeness of vision (market understanding; sales strategy; offering strategy; business model; innovation; and geographic strategy). Gartner defines Western Europe as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.