Analyst relations is a corporate strategy, corporate communications and marketing activity[1] in which corporations communicate with ICT industry analysts (also known as research analysts) who work for independent research and consulting firms such as the Big Four accounting firms.[2][3]
Analyst advice is often used by Fortune 1000 companies and others to determine the best option for major investment in ICT - especially where the deal is complex, changing, costly or critical. Top industry analysts have the power to make or break deals, thanks to their deep-rooted, subscription-based relationships with end-user technology buyers. Some analysts also focus on helping ICT firms to write request for proposal documents. Therefore, the strategy behind an effective Analyst Relations program is known as "influencing the influencers", a phrase coined by Omnicom Group's Brodeur agency in 2002. [4]