The Polaris Report
A New Framework for High-Performing, Precise Product Evaluation
Traditional Analysis: The Legacy Grid
Many companies, like Gartner, G2, and Forrester, use grid plots to compare products. These charts usually measure things like capability and market presence, with the top-right corner seen as the best. It’s a helpful tool, but it has limits.
One problem is that these grids don’t always reflect real-world decision-making. Two products in the same quadrant might be strong in completely different ways, making direct comparisons misleading. A grid is technically infinite, but ratings are limited, so products get squeezed together.
We've built a new approach—one that embraces real-world trade-offs and aligns with how we naturally interpret data.
Our Design Philosophy
Trying to maximize one factor often means sacrificing another. We help companies make smarter choices that balance what’s possible with what’s practical.
Performance
How well a product does its job — how reliable, capable, and functional it is.
Precision
How well a product fits a specific need — how tailored, adaptable, and useful it is in a given situation.
The Polaris Model
The Polaris Model focuses on two key things: how well they work and how well they fit your needs. The best products are at the top and center.
01. The Polaris Quadrant
The gold standard. High performance, high precision. These solutions are reliable, purpose-built, and excel at their intended function.
02. The Broad Quadrant
Moderate performance, low negative precision. Versatile but lacks depth. Best for those prioritizing flexibility over immediate functionality.
03. The Niche Quadrant
High performance, low positive precision. Exceptional in specific areas but rigid in adaptability. Ideal for well-defined goals.
04. The Anchor Quadrant
Low performance, high precision. These solutions seem like a perfect fit at first glance but are weighed down by lack of power to deliver.
Our First Quarterly Report: Q1 2025
This edition will focus on two major product categories:
AI Technologies
Systems that learn, adapt, and automate decision-making. Includes ML, NLP, Computer Vision, and Generative AI.
Enterprise Platforms
Applications that manage business processes. Includes Low Code, RPA, BPM, and ERP systems.