Press Release

IDC Energy Insights Releases Top 10 Market Predictions for Worldwide Oil and Gas in 2013

Oil & Gas companies to focus their IT investments on security, data management and analytics in the coming year

Framingham, MA – December 5, 2012 – Today, IDC Energy Insights hosted a web conference titled, “IDC Energy Insights Predictions 2013: Worldwide Oil & Gas,” highlighting market predictions for the year ahead. Featuring analysts Roberta Bigliani, Jill Feblowitz, Arthur Melet, and Rick Nicholson, the session provided organizations with insight and perspective on long-term industry trends along with new themes on the horizon. The Predictions web conference series is designed to help company leaders capitalize on emerging market opportunities and plan for future growth. A replay of today's web conference will be available within 48 hours. To access the replay and receive a complimentary copy of the presentation, please visit http://bit.ly/EI_Predictions2013_OilandGas.

The Top 10 Predictions are:

• Prediction 1 - Companies will realign security investments to protect their extended B2B networks

• Prediction 2 - CIOs will increase the visibility and responsibility for technical data management

• Prediction 3 - CIOs will establish analytics competency centers focused on skills and business alignment

• Prediction 4 - Unconventional resources will require companies to revisit wireless and mobility strategies

• Prediction 5 - The shift from EH&S compliance to prevention will require more sophisticated analytics

• Prediction 6 - Talent shortages will require CIOs to rethink sourcing strategies and take on social business

• Prediction 7 - Capital project management teams will need better analytics and standardized frameworks

• Prediction 8 - Production optimization will drive expanded adoption of integrated operations

• Prediction 9 - Upgrades to ETRM applications will be driven by changing compliance and logistics requirements

• Prediction 10 - Cloud services will not reach critical mass with oil & gas companies until 2015

"The most likely business scenario for 2013 includes increased security threats, growth in the volume, variety and velocity of technical data, a larger role for unconventional resources like shale gas and tight oil, and ongoing talent shortages,” said Rick Nicholson, group vice president, IDC Energy Insights. “These factors will drive oil & gas companies to focus their IT investments on security, data management and analytics, as well as mobility and social business."

For additional information about these predictions or to arrange a one-on-one briefing, please contact Sarah Murray at 781-378-2674 or sarah@attunecommunications.com. Reports are available to qualified members of the media. For information on purchasing reports, contact info@idc-ei.com; reporters should email sarah@attunecommunications.com.

About IDC Predictions

A hallmark of IDC’s offering for three decades, the annual Top 10 Predictions reports provide IDC's outlook on the IT market, across industries, in the coming year, During the next 60 days, IDC will publish dozens of Top 10 Predictions documents for 2013. Please visit www.idc.com/predictions2013 for a complete listing.

About IDC Energy Insights

IDC Energy Insights assists energy businesses and IT leaders, as well as the suppliers who serve them, in making more effective technology decisions by providing accurate, timely, and insightful fact-based research and consulting services. Staffed by senior analysts with decades of industry experience, our global research analyzes and advises on business and technology issues facing the utility and oil and gas industries. International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology market. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology, media, research, and events company. For more information, please visit http://www.idc-ei.com/, email info@idc-ei.com, or call 508-935-4400. Visit the IDC Energy Insights Community at http://idc-insights-community.com/energy.

For more information, please contact:

Sandra Collins
scollins@idc.com
508-988-6746

Sarah Murray
sarah@attunecommunications.com
781-378-2674