Executives worldwide are struggling with the challenges of integration and collaboration across complex networks of business partners and customers in a more interdependent business world, according to a new study by the Business Performance Management (BPM) Forum and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council. The study finds that 21st Century business models have become increasingly dependent on partner networks to shape customer experiences, drive innovation processes and deliver products and services to global markets. Information systems and cross-company business processes, however, are strained to keep pace.

According to key findings in the research, executives appear to be well aware of the need for significant improvement:

• Some 68 percent of respondents indicate that business partners are essential to their companies' go-to-market processes, customer experience and competitive position.

• More than half say their partner networks are becoming more global and complex.

• Yet, only 8 percent of executives believe their companies are highly effective in the way they integrate and optimize these business networks.

Greater Innovation Through Closer Collaboration, sponsored by Sterling Commerce and AT&T, is based on a survey of over 400 executives and managers across a wide range of industries, as well as over two dozen qualitative interviews with leading executives from global businesses, including Best Buy, United Rentals and PepsiCo. The report can be downloaded by visiting http://www.bizcollaboration.org/collaborate-report.php.

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