Watch Everest Group Practice Director Sailesh Hota in this upcoming webinar as he explores the next era of RPO and the future of talent acquisition with fellow industry experts.

Join the interactive event to discuss:

• The evolution of talent acquisition: See how RPO is adapting by transforming from outsourcing to orchestration
• Discover the AGILE framework: Learn its application within RPO 5.0 and how it drives flexibility and efficiency
• Find the value of RPO 5.0: Look at practical examples of successful implementations and their impact

Speakers

Sailesh Hota
Practice Director, Everest Group

Nicola Hancock
Chief Growth Officer, AMS

Jo-Ann Feely
Chief Innovation Officer, AMS

The healthcare outsourcing landscape is evolving rapidly as financial pressures, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts drive payers and providers to rethink their operations.  

The outsourcing market is far from immune to these trends, and leading service providers are now actively positioning themselves to stay ahead.  

Reach out to discuss this topic in depth. 

Based on industry developments over the past 18 months, here are three critical trends shaping the future of healthcare payer outsourcing. 

1. Mergers & acquisitions: A market in motion 

Investment activity in the healthcare outsourcing sector has surged, driven by financial pressures and technological disruptions—particularly the rise of Generative AI (gen AI). The market remains highly competitive, with firms aggressively building capabilities through acquisitions to fill gaps and strengthen their offerings. 

Private equity firms are playing a major role in shaping the landscape, especially in prone to disruption areas such as payment integrity—a critical function in reducing fraud, waste, and abuse. Notable transactions include: 

• New Mountain Capital’s US$3 billion consolidation of The Rawlings Group, Apixio’s payment integrity business, and Varis to create a powerhouse leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve payment accuracy. 

• KKR-backed Cotiviti’s expected US$3 billion acquisition of Edifecs, aimed at enhancing administrative and clinical data-sharing capabilities. 

• Sagility’s acquisition of BroadPath Healthcare Solutions (January 2025), adding over 30 clients and strengthening its claims processing, provider credentialing, and member engagement capabilities. 

• TowerBrook Capital Partners and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice’s acquisition of R1 RCM (August 2024): R1 RCM, a healthcare technology company specializing in revenue cycle management, was taken private in a deal valued at $8.9 billion 

• New Mountain Capital’s strategic investment in Access Healthcare (January 2025): This investment aims to accelerate Access Healthcare’s transformation of revenue management for healthcare organizations 

For outsourcing providers, these moves highlight the importance of building robust capabilities in payment integrity, care management, revenue cycle management, and digital health—whether through acquisitions, partnerships, or internal innovation. 

2. Growing adoption of outsourcing by healthcare providers 

Historically, healthcare providers have been slow to outsource, but that is changing as rising administrative costs and razor-thin margins push hospitals to seek external expertise. 

Revenue cycle management (RCM) remains the most visible area for outsourcing, with hospitals increasingly turning to external firms for financial operations. Some of the most significant provider outsourcing deals in 2024 (source: Beckers Healthcare) include: 

• Ensemble Health Partners secured multiple RCM partnerships, including full revenue cycle management services for Independence Health System (PA), Carilion Clinic (VA), Tower Health (PA), and Beebe Healthcare (DE). The partnership with Carilion Clinic involves transitioning 780 employees, while Tower Health will shift 675 employees to Ensemble. 

• Conifer Health Solutions, Tenet Healthcare’s RCM arm, expanded its footprint, securing a 10-year contract with five Alabama hospitals and partnering with Adventist Health to manage its revenue cycle services. 

• The Brooklyn Hospital Center (NY) signed a 10-year deal with Med-Metrix, transitioning its entire RCM workforce to the outsourcing provider. 

• UCI Health’s acquisition of Tenet Healthcare’s Pacific Coast Network included a built-in outsourcing contract with Conifer Health Solutions for revenue cycle management. 

Beyond revenue cycle management, outsourcing is expanding into additional areas: 

• Clinical documentation & AI-driven coding – Companies like Suki and Nuance are reducing physician documentation burdens with AI-driven solutions. 

• Patient engagement & call centers – More hospitals are outsourcing patient outreach and scheduling to improve operational efficiency. 

• Prior authorization automation – Firms like Availity are helping providers speed up approvals and reduce administrative burdens. 

For service providers, this shift opens new opportunities beyond traditional RCM. Providers are actively seeking automation, AI, and efficiency-enhancing solutions—making it a prime time for innovative outsourcing firms to step in. 

3. The rise of partnership-driven ecosystems 

To remain competitive, service providers are increasingly forming strategic partnerships to create integrated, end-to-end solutions. These ecosystems bring together diverse capabilities to address the growing complexity of healthcare operations. 

Key partnership trends include: 

• Data management firms collaborating with tech giants – Healthcare analytics companies are working with platforms like AWS and Google Cloud to develop scalable solutions. 

• Service providers teaming up with system integrators – Traditional outsourcing firms are partnering with Big 4 firms  and others to offer holistic, technology-enabled solutions. 

• Health plans working with AI-driven startups – Payers are leveraging AI and automation to streamline workflows and enhance service delivery. 

These partnerships reflect a broader industry move toward comprehensive, technology-driven solutions that combine multiple capabilities to tackle complex healthcare challenges. 

What next for the sector? 

The healthcare payer outsourcing market is undergoing a major transformation, shaped by a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, increasing provider adoption of outsourcing, and the rise of collaborative ecosystems.  

These developments are not just industry shifts—they represent critical signals that service providers must analyze and respond to strategically. 

For outsourcing firms, the key question is no longer “What is happening?” but rather “What are we going to do about it?” 

• How do these trends impact our competitive position? 

• Where do we need to strengthen our capabilities—through investment, partnerships, or acquisitions? 

• What gaps exist in our service portfolio, and how do we address them proactively? 

• Are we aligning with the technologies and operational models that healthcare organizations are prioritizing? 

Standing still is not an option. Service providers that adapt quickly, innovate aggressively, and build the right alliances will be the ones that thrive in this evolving landscape. Now is the time to think critically, make bold moves, and take a leadership stance in the healthcare outsourcing market. 

If you found this blog interesting, check out our Optimizing Pricing Strategies For Healthcare AI Startups: Expert Insights For Payer And Provider Innovation | Blog – Everest Group blog, which delves deeper into another topic regarding the healthcare sector. 

If your interested in hearing more about healthcare outsourcing trends in 2025 and beyond, please reach out to Ankur Verma (ankur.verma@everestgrp.com).  

The SAP services market is strategically evolving from traditional enterprise software to a key digital transformation driver. With initiatives such as RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP, the focus has now shifted to cloud adoption, AI integration, and sustainability.

With 60-70% of enterprises yet to migrate to S/4HANA, the upcoming migration wave will reshape the market. Scalable approaches such as brownfield and hybrid strategies are vital to balance business continuity with transformation. Providers are addressing the rising demand for customized solutions by investing in industry-specific accelerators, enhancing S/4HANA expertise, and strengthening hyperscaler partnerships. This ecosystem-driven approach simplifies migrations, accelerates deployment, and delivers tangible business outcomes at a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

As SAP’s innovations align with S/4HANA migrations’ urgency, enterprises must strategically prepare to seize these opportunities, ensuring smooth migrations that drive digital transformation and sustainable value.

• SAP Business Application Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025

  

  In this report, we assess 30 providers featured on the SAP Business Application Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025 and categorize them as Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants based on their capabilities and offerings.

  Scope

  • All industries and geographies
  • The assessment is based on Everest Group’s annual RFI process for the calendar year 2024, interactions with leading providers, client reference checks, and an ongoing analysis of the SAP business application services market

  Contents

  This report features detailed assessments, including strengths and limitations, of 30 providers that focus on SAP business application services.

  READ ON

What is the PEAK Matrix®?

The PEAK Matrix® provides an objective, data-driven assessment of service and technology providers based on their overall capability and market impact across different global services markets, classifying them into three categories: Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Top Service Providers

Chess has seen a remarkable rise in popularity, reaching a milestone on February 1, 2025, when Chess.com surpassed 200 million members, showcasing its growing global influence. This growing interest in the game has not only fostered a larger competitive community but has also opened doors for chess to create real-world impact, particularly in underserved communities around the globe.

Reach out to discuss this topic in depth.

How chess benefits underserved communities

Chess serves as a compelling case study of how a growing industry can drive social and economic benefits for underserved populations. The game requires minimal resources to play, making it accessible to individuals in even the most disadvantaged regions.

Moreover, its emphasis on strategy, problem-solving, and resilience aligns with skills that are crucial in today’s workforce. As chess expands globally—through online platforms, competitive tournaments, and educational programs—it is creating new career pathways, scholarships, and workforce development opportunities.

Unlike many industries that require substantial infrastructure or investment, chess proves that intellectual capital alone can foster economic mobility. From coaching and streaming to content creation and tournament organization, the growing chess ecosystem is generating employment prospects while simultaneously uplifting disadvantaged communities.

Real-world examples of chess empowering underserved communities

SOM Chess Academy (Uganda)

Founded by Robert Katende, the SOM Chess Academy has introduced chess to at-risk youth, helping them develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and a pathway to economic empowerment. One of its most inspiring success stories is that of Phiona Mutesi, who rose from the slums of Kampala to international recognition through chess.

Mutesi’s journey exemplifies how structured chess training can unlock economic mobility. Through the academy, she gained access to education, scholarships, and global opportunities. Her chess skills not only enabled her to travel the world but also provided her with employment prospects and a platform to inspire future generations.

Chess in Slums Africa

This initiative is dedicated to teaching chess to children in low-income communities, helping them develop cognitive skills and access educational opportunities. Many participants have secured scholarships, proving that chess can serve as a gateway to skill-building, personal development, and social mobility.

The Gift of Chess Initiative

A global movement that distributes chess sets to schools, prisons, and refugee camps, The Gift of Chess fosters education, rehabilitation, and inclusion. By providing access to chess, the initiative empowers individuals to develop strategic thinking, patience, and discipline—skills that translate into broader career opportunities.

FIDE’s “Chess for Freedom” Program

FIDE, the international chess federation, has launched an initiative aimed at teaching chess to inmates and refugees. The program has demonstrated that chess can improve cognitive abilities, provide structure, and offer career-building opportunities for those seeking reintegration into society.

How industries and organizations can get involved

The success of chess in uplifting undeserved communities presents a model that industries and organizations can adopt to drive meaningful talent development. Businesses in digital services, education and workforce training can integrate similar initiatives into their core talent strategies, creating sustainable pathways for skill-building and economic mobility.

Technology sector

Companies in the technology industry can incorporate chess-based training into their workforce development programs. For example, Google and Microsoft have invested in coding boot camps and artificial intelligence (AI) training programs that prioritize problem-solving and computational thinking—skills also cultivated by chess. Integrating chess into digital literacy programs can also further enhance critical thinking abilities for tech-oriented roles.

Education and scholarships

Universities and scholarship foundations can utilize chess-based assessments to identify students with strong cognitive and analytical skills. Programs like the Chess-in-Schools initiative have shown that students who play chess perform better in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, making them ideal candidates for scholarships in science, engineering, and technology fields.

Corporate professional development

Organizations across industries can integrate chess-inspired training into professional development programs to enhance critical workplace skills. Strategic decision-making, analytical thinking, and pattern recognition, which are core competencies in chess, are also essential in leadership, financial analysis, and operational strategy. Companies like Deloitte and McKinsey value structured problem-solving in leadership training, while firms like Renaissance Technologies emphasize strategic forecasting.

By incorporating chess-based exercises into talent development initiatives, industries can build a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline, equipping individuals with transferable skills for digital services, AI training, and other knowledge-based roles. This approach drives both business success and economic inclusion.

Chess, cognitive skills, and the future of tech services

The technology services sector thrives on problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking—all skills that chess cultivates. As businesses increasingly rely on data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, the ability to recognize patterns, anticipate challenges, and make strategic decisions is more critical than ever.

Chess-based training provides a structured approach to developing these cognitive skills, making individuals more prepared for roles in AI model training, process automation, data annotation, and Information Technology (IT) support.

The same cognitive skills honed through chess can be leveraged to upskill impact sourcing professionals, enabling them to take on more complex, high-value tasks in the tech services industry.

Impact sourcing—hiring and developing individuals from marginalized communities—offers a sustainable and socially responsible approach to workforce expansion while providing businesses with a diverse, resilient, and highly capable talent pool.

Everest Group has committed to significantly expanding the impact sourcing workforce—connecting hundreds of thousands of marginalized individuals to new job opportunities.

Through research, enablement tools, and best practices, as well as engagement with enterprises, service providers, governments, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Everest Group is leading the charge in advancing social impact initiatives.

Everest Group’s Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Pledge

In 2022, Everest Group outlined a Commitment to Action to grow the impact sourcing market from 350,000 full-time equivalents (FTEs) to 500,000 within three years.

Remarkably, this goal was achieved in just two years, fueling a new ambition: to scale the impact sourcing workforce to 1 million by 2030.

This rapid progress highlights the power of innovative approaches to workforce development. Chess is more than just a game—it is a powerful tool for empowerment, a catalyst for social mobility, and a means to break cycles of poverty.

The same strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability that define chess can be applied to upskilling impact sourcing talent, preparing them for knowledge-intensive roles in the digital economy.

By integrating these principles into workforce development, industries can create meaningful economic opportunities, drive long-term social change, and cultivate a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

If you found this blog interesting, check out our Where Sustainability Unites: Climate Week NYC, UNGA, And CGI blog, which delves deeper into another topic regarding impact sourcing and Everest Group’s CGI pledge.

If your organization is interested in joining this initiative or signing the pledge, please reach out to Rita Soni at rita.soni@everestgrp.com, Ankur Verma at ankur.verma@everestgrp.com, or Sidhaant Nagpal at sidhaant.nagpal@everestgrp.com.

Watch Everest Group Partner Vishal Gupta, he explores how Agentic AI is redefining automation by moving beyond predefined workflows to autonomous decision-making and action execution with fellow industry experts. With the Agentic AI market poised for rapid growth, enterprises must strategically navigate this evolving landscape.

Join the interactive event to discuss:

• What is Agentic AI?
• Transforming business operations
• Scaling Agentic AI
• Data & decision-making
• Adoption & industry trends
• Navigating the AI landscape

Speakers

Vishal Gupta
Partner, Everest Group

Steve Jones
EVP, Data Driven Business and Generative AI, Capgemini

Itziar Goicoechea Martinez
Senior Director, AI/Generative AI Offer Lead, Capgemini

The rising importance of data security in 2024 and beyond

Data security became a critical focus area for enterprises in 2024 due to numerous factors, with the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) leading the charge.

According to the 2025 World Economic Forum’s Report¹, 20% of enterprises are most concerned about data leaks linked to Generative AI (gen AI) adoption. This places data leaks as the second-highest concern, trailing only adversarial capabilities such as phishing and deep fakes.

To fully grasp this growing concern, it’s essential to explore the fundamentals of data security and its significance in today’s digital landscape, which is what our analysts have done in this latest blog.

Reach out to discuss this topic in depth.

Understanding data security

Data security refers to the practice of protecting data from unauthorized access, theft, or corruption throughout its lifecycle, whether it resides on-premises, in the cloud, or within hybrid environments.

It encompasses a range of measures, from physical safeguards to advanced digital solutions. For this blog, we have focused on the digital aspects of data security.

A widely used framework to define data security is the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Triad², which comprises three core principles:

• Confidentiality – preserving authorized restrictions on information access and disclosure, including means for protecting personal privacy and proprietary information
  
  
• Integrity – guarding against improper information modification or destruction and ensuring information non-repudiation and authenticity
  
  
• Availability – ensuring timely and reliable access to and use of information

These principles form the foundation of a robust data security strategy and guide enterprises in securing their sensitive information. With the basics of the CIA Triad established, it’s also critical to differentiate data security from a closely related but distinct concept—data privacy.

Data security vs. data privacy

Building on the CIA Triad, it is essential to distinguish between data security and data privacy, as these concepts often overlap but serve distinct purposes. While data security focuses on protecting data from external threats, data privacy addresses how data is handled and shared within organizations. Here’s a simple comparison:

In essence, data security focuses on keeping data safe, while data privacy ensures its ethical and responsible usage. Understanding these distinctions sets the stage for examining the key drivers and challenges shaping the data security landscape.

Drivers and challenges of data security

With a clear understanding of what data security entails, it’s important to examine the factors driving its adoption and the challenges that hinder implementation. This helps contextualize why data security has become a pressing priority.

Key drivers

1. Gen AI adoption – The growing use of gen AI heightens concerns about protecting sensitive data during training and operations. Enterprises are prioritizing measures to prevent intellectual property leaks, unauthorized access, and accidental exposure
2. Increasing cyber threats – Cyberattacks, including ransomware, phishing, and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), are becoming more sophisticated. Robust data security is essential to safeguard sensitive information and maintaining business continuity
3. Regulatory compliance pressure – Stringent regulations like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), EU AI Act, National Institution of Standards and Technology Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (NIST AI RMF), California Consumer Privacy Act CCPA, and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act compel organizations to adopt stringent security protocols. Compliance builds trust and ensures adherence to legal obligations

Major challenges

1. Complex technology landscape – Integrating diverse security solutions across hybrid and multi-cloud environments is challenging, leading to vulnerabilities
2. Evolving threat vectors – Cybercriminals continually refine tactics, making it difficult for organizations to stay ahead without agile security frameworks
3. Resource and budget constraints – Many organizations struggle to allocate sufficient budgets and skilled personnel, limiting their ability to implement effective security measures
   
   

With these drivers and challenges in mind, understanding the types of data security solutions available becomes crucial to overcoming these obstacles effectively.

Types of data security solutions and technologies

For successful implementation of data security, organizations must rely on a structured approach rooted in the CIA Triad. This ensures that all aspects of confidentiality, integrity, and availability are addressed using the right solutions and tools.

This structured approach equips enterprises to secure data effectively while addressing unique organizational needs. Next, we explore the pivotal role of service providers in driving data security initiatives.

What should providers do about data security?

Recognizing the complexities outlined above, providers play a critical role in supporting enterprises as they navigate the evolving data security landscape. Here are actionable strategies for providers:

1. Collaboration with specialized security providers – Enterprises expect service providers to forge strategic partnerships with industry-leading encryption, Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), Data Loss Protection (DLP), and AI-security experts. The complexity of today’s threats demands a robust ecosystem of specialized tools and technologies to ensure comprehensive protection and continuous innovation
   
   
2. Tailored and scalable security solutions – Enterprises demand data security solutions that can adapt to different organizational sizes and industry requirements. From lightweight, cost-effective defenses for smaller entities to advanced, multi-tiered frameworks for large enterprises, providers must deliver a scalable approach that addresses diverse risk profiles
   
   
3. Proactive compliance and regulatory alignment – Organizations expect service providers to stay ahead of global and local regulations, offering proactive advisory services, automated compliance reporting, and real-time monitoring. By anticipating and adapting to legal requirements, they position themselves as trusted partners who ensure organization’s uninterrupted compliance
   
   
4. End-to-end coverage across the CIA triad – Enterprises look to technology providers to deliver integrated solutions that address all facets of the CIA triad. This requires both established capabilities—like encryption and data loss prevention—and emerging innovations, such as DSPM, to cover the full spectrum of modern data security demands
   
   
5. AI-driven innovation for advanced threat detection – Enterprises expect technology providers to harness AI to transform data security. From automated risk assessments and predictive threat intelligence to streamlined incident response, AI-enabled solutions must now offer faster, smarter, and more adaptive defenses that help us outpace evolving cyber risks

What we believe is next…As enterprises navigate the complexities of data security, it’s clear that protecting digital assets is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. The adoption of AI, increasing cyber threats, and regulatory pressures are now reshaping the landscape, demanding innovative and comprehensive solutions. By leveraging advanced tools, focusing on education, and building strong ecosystems, service providers can now lead the way in securing the future of digital information!

If you found this blog interesting, check out our MXDR: A Revolutionary And Comprehensive Solution Transforming Cybersecurity Detection And Response | Blog – Everest Group blog, which delves deeper into another topic regarding data and cybersecurity.

To discuss data security in more depth with our team, please contact Kumar Avijit (kumar.avijit@everestgrp.com) and Arjun Chauhan (arjun.chauhan@everestgrp.com).

1. WEF Report on Cybersecurity Outlook 2024

2. NIST 1800-26

3. This set of technologies is not intended to be exhaustive but aims to provide a broad overview

Supplier Risk Management

Supply Chains

Circular Supply Chain

Circular Supply Chain

Circular Supply Chai

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