magic quadrant

Definition

Gartner's proprietary market research format positioning vendors on axes of 'completeness of vision' and 'ability to execute.' The astrology chart of enterprise software that somehow influences billion-dollar purchasing decisions.

Example Usage

We need to be in the leaders quadrant of Gartner's magic quadrant or enterprise customers won't even take our calls.

Origin

Created by Gartner Research in the 1990s

Fun Fact

Companies spend millions on consultants and marketing to move up in the magic quadrant, despite no evidence it correlates with actual product quality.

Source: Market research and technology analyst terminology

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