We recently wrapped up our second evaluation of loyalty program service providers. From a potential pool of over 30 loyalty providers, we selected eight leading vendors that offer soup-to-nuts loyalty strategy, technology, and program management services. What has changed since our last evaluation? Notably, we found an increased focus on building programs that go beyond transactional rewards and loyalty technology. Wraparound program management services are still a key component of their solutions, but every vendor included in this Forrester Wave evaluation offers a productized platform that can be configured to meet client requirements.

In our final evaluation of eight vendors in“The Forrester Wave™: Loyalty Program Service Providers, Q4 2013,” we found a relatively competitive field of providers. Each firm has strengths and weaknesses in its current offering, but the leaders differentiate themselves through their forward-thinking company strategies. From a road map and development perspective, further increasing customer engagement capabilities, continually improving technology, and investing in more sophisticated loyalty analytics are major focus areas.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to each vendor in the report — Aimia, Brierley+Partners, Connexions Loyalty, Epsilon, Kobie Marketing, Maritz Loyalty Marketing, Olson 1to1, and Tibco Loyalty Lab — for committing to and participating in the often grueling Forrester Wave evaluation process. In addition, thank you to my CI colleagues Samantha Ngo, Carl Doty, and Shar VanBoskirk for supporting and editing this research.

Forrester clients can read the full report here, but keep in mind that the written report just scratches the surface of the full evaluation. Download the interactive scorecard tool and use it to customize the Forrester Wave model for your organization’s needs. If you’d like to discuss the findings or need additional guidance on a specific provider, please feel free to set up an inquiry.