Lithium was recognized by Gartner, Inc. in the Leaders Quadrant of the Social CRM Magic Quadrant. Here’s the links to the press release: Lithium Press Release. The Gartner Social CRM Magic is an annual report tracks trends in the Social CRM market and analyzes key market qualities. Lithium’s inclusion in the Magic Quadrant is based on Gartner’s evaluation of the company’s ability to execute on social strategy and overarching vision. Lithium is the only non-public company among the leaders and contenders in this space.
Rob Tarkoff, CEO of Lithium Technologies said, “We believe Lithium’s recognition in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Social CRM is exemplary of the exciting company momentum seen through providing competitive solutions for our clients and globally expanding our customer base. We consider the acknowledgment reflective of our leading commitment to make brands successful with the social customer experience to optimize Social CRM strategy and exceed business goals.”
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In addition, the Wall Street Journal named its third annual ranking of the top 50 start-ups in the U.S. backed by venture capitalists. http://on.wsj.com/ScG7ij Lithium was named part of the Next Big Thing.
In looking at the Gartner Magic Quadrant, I wonder how easy it is to use it to choose software to build a social enterprise. Having been an analyst, I know how difficult it is to keep track of all the regular vendors- for instance, I covered CRM – Marketing, Sales and Service software and then added social media software as applied to those disciplines. Covering 100 or more vendors is nearly impossible for any human being. On the other hand, I wonder how useful it is to have a report that has many software types that are not apples to apples comparisons.
The Gartner Social CRM Magic Quadrant has received criticism. My colleague, Mitch Lieberman said it very well on his blog, “I have the highest respect for the authors and contributors to the recently released Gartner Magic Quadrant for Social CRM. I am disagreeing with the ideas and concepts, not people. I am more troubled that what was published is so off the mark, as it leads to further confusion in an already confused space. This is not to say that the companies included in various locations are right or wrong either, it is simply the apples to oranges comparison of ‘things’.“
I don’t mean to say that Lithium’s placement in the Social CRM Magic Quadrant isn’t well deserved. It is.
For me, what I am wondering about and pondering questions around – is how to make sense of all the content and information- sometimes misinformation about software, especially when it comes to social software. Maybe one strategy is to write a software analysis document that is not very clear or one that does not completely covers the whole landscape (which is not possible) or one that doesn’t have apples to apples comparisons – with respect to building a social enterprise– so that people need to call you and get help? Could that be part of the reasoning?
What I do know is that there are so many vendors in social media software that my clients have a very tough time sorting through vendors – their features, functions and benefits and then making a short list and then choosing and implementing software — AND to then use the software to reach business results…
What’s your thoughts on figuring out the social media software landscape?
About Lithium
Lithium helps companies unlock the passion of their customers. Lithium software powers amazing Social Customer Experiences for more than 400 iconic brands including AT&T, BT, Best Buy, Sephora, Skype and Telstra. Lithium helps companies grow brand advocacy, drive sales, reduce costs and accelerate innovation to create a brand nation that redefines the customer experience. For more information, visit lithium.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and our own brand nation–the Lithosphere. Lithium is privately held with corporate headquarters in Emeryville, Calif. and offices in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Download Complimentary Copy
A complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant report here.
The “Magic Quadrant for Social CRM” was written by Adam Sarner, Ed Thompson, Jenny Sussin, Nikos Drakos, Michael Maoz, Jim Davies, Jeffrey Mann — September 27, 2012.
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@DrNatalie L. Petouhoff
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