Gartner analysts have started using a new research note format called, "Findings". This note type is short, focused on an important tidbit of information, and timely -- that is, a research meeting on a Friday could yield a "Findings" note on a Monday.

The Findings notes are not intended to usurp the standard research note -- a best practice is not to make decisions based on a Findings alone since there's probably not enough detail -- but rather to release research to clients while its on the tip of the analyst's tongue, so to speak. The benefit of this is that it helps draw you closer to the collaborative process and whets your appetite for more detailed research to come.

Findings joins podcasts and blogs as one of the new ways Gartner analysts have to disseminate research, but they differ slightly in that they go through the same processes as standard research and are representative of the opinion of Gartner research, not necessarily of a single analyst, and they are available only to clients.

What do you think of Findings? We'd love to hear from you.

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So I guess that if a particular "finding" deals with an item of interest to a particular IT vendor, that vendor doesn't have much opportunity to react, explain, defend or counter ......correct?

On the surface "Findings" look similar to "First Takes." How will the two research deliverables differ?

Thanks John and Carter for your questions. With respect to John's question: my example of a note being published over the weekend was not entirely appropriate. Consistent with our policy of allowing vendors time for factual review of research, Findings note will be sent to vendors as needed for factual review, and they will have 2 business days to respond. The Vendor Review Cycles Guidelines on the Vendor Relations page of gartner.com will be updated shortly to reflect this.

With respect to Carter's question: First Takes and Findings differ in that First Takes are triggered by external newsworthy events, and they must be published within 7 days of that event. Also, they are free to all on gartner.com. Interesting pieces of research typically trigger Findings and they are available only to Gartner clients.

I have observed many situations in research where it has been useful to convey reasonably-baked data and information in a timely manner. Findings appear to be exactly such a venue. I support the concept and believe that as long as vendor controls are in place and reasonable analysis has been performed apriori, that Findings represent a powerful new deliverable for Gartner Research.