Software Research

Mark is the leader and responsible for the overall software research and advisory for business and IT at Ventana Research, now part of ISG. He is an expert in enterprise software and defines the blueprint for AI software research and for digital modernization across people, processes, information and technology. Mark has held CMO and product roles at software providers and companies like SAP and Oracle. Mark founded Ventana Research over two decades ago and was the CEO and Chief Research Officer and worked in the technology sector for over 30 years leading innovations in research and technology. Mark is an Eagle Scout and volunteers in Scouting enabling youth to reach their full potential.

Rob leads and manages the business software research and advisory team focusing on the intersection of information technology and applications across the front- and back-office areas of enterprises. Rob leads the Office of Finance practice and the AI for Business efforts and is a book author and thought leader on integrated business planning (IBP). Prior to ISG and two decades at Ventana Research, he was an equity research analyst at several firms including Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Drexel Burnham, and a consultant with McKinsey and Company. Rob was an Institutional Investor All-American Team member and on the Wall Street Journal All-Star list. Rob earned his BA in Economics/Finance at Hampshire College, an MBA in Finance/Accounting at Columbia University and is a CFA charter holder.

David manages the software research and advisory for IT and leads the expertise in AI.  He oversees the team and expertise areas for software used by IT and for what is used by business. David leads the software research efforts in AI for IT and AI-infused software building on over three decades of experience in data and analytics. For decades, he has brought to market leading-edge analytics and data products in marketing and product leadership positions at Pivotal (a division of EMC), Vertica Systems, Oracle, Applix, InforSense, and IRI Software. David earned his MS in Business from Bentley University and a BS in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Keith leads the Customer Experience (CX) expertise at Ventana Research, now part of ISG, covering applications and technology that facilitate engagement to optimize customer-facing processes across marketing, sales and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). His focus areas of coverage include agent management, contact center, customer experience management, field service, intelligent self-service and voice of the customer. Keith’s specialization is in natural language and speech tools with intelligent virtual assistants, multichannel routing and journey management, and a wide array of customer analytics. Keith’s experience spans over two decades as an industry analyst and as the editorial director of Call Center Magazine. There he pioneered coverage of cloud-based contact centers, speech recognition and processing, and the shift from voice to multichannel communications. He is a graduate of Amherst College.

Matt leads the software research and advisory for the Analytics and Data expertise at Ventana Research, now part of ISG, covering software that improves the utilization of information across business and IT. His focus areas of coverage include analytics, data intelligence, data operations, data platforms, and streaming data and events. Matt’s specialization is in the operational and analytical use of data and use of AI where enterprises can modernize their approaches to accelerate the value realization of technology investments in support of hybrid and multi-cloud architecture. Matt has been an industry analyst for more than a decade and has pioneered the coverage of emerging data platforms including NoSQL and NewSQL databases, data lakes, and cloud-based data processing. He is a graduate of Bournemouth University.

Stephen leads the expertise in the Office of Revenue and guides leaders in the applications and technology for buying and selling products and services to maximize revenue. His topics of coverage include digital commerce, partner management, revenue management, revenue performance management, sales engagement and subscription management. Stephen’s diverse technology experience spans over 30 years, including leadership roles heading up product strategy across a range of data-driven applications in sales enablement, financial reporting and planning, and billing and monetization platforms. Stephen was General Manager at InsideSales.com where he managed the C9 Analytics business, VP of Product and AI strategy at RecVue, and held roles at Oracle, Exigen, and Aviso. Stephen earned his BS in Economics from the London School of Economics. 

Jeff Orr leads the firm’s overall research and advisory for CIO and technology leaders focused on the expertise of digital technology and the modernization and transformation for IT at Ventana Research, now part of ISG. Jeff’s coverage spans cloud computing, DevOps and platforms, digital security, intelligent automation, ITOps and service management, and observation technologies for intelligent automation. Jeff previously led the products team at Ventana Research providing educational and research insights. Prior to joining ISG and Ventana Research, he served as editor-in-chief and thought leader for Cyber Security Hub. Jeff spent a decade as a Research Director at ABI Research, and two decades as a technology, product and marketing leader. Jeff attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz. He is also an Oregon State University Certified Master Gardener.

Matthew leads the expertise in HCM software at Ventana Research, now part of ISG, with over two decades of experience. As a business and HR leader, he has worked at companies like Schoox and Commercial Metals Company. His research covers the full range of HCM processes and software including employee experience, learning management, payroll management, talent management, total compensation management and workforce management. Matthew is a Forbes HR Council member and a graduate of Western Governors University with a degree in HR management. He serves as President and board member of Limbs for Life Foundation, volunteers for Operation Kindness and is President-elect of ATD (Association of Talent Development) Dallas.