Pros
IMS has a strong revenue stream, providing pharmaceutical companies with sales tracking data, strategic consulting, marketing research and other services such as disease/treatment trackers. It occupies a dominant market position, at least in the country/region I work in.
Cons
IMS has been in transition for a number of years, starting with the necessary changes led by then CEO David Thomas nearly a decade ago. These led to a more dynamic company, with an increased range of services and client focus. Unfortunately more recent changes have not been so positive. IMS seems to be looking primarily on EBITDA (as lining up for a sale?). Effective investment in new services, quality and maintenance seems to have stalled, focus on the clients has diminished as internal focus increases, substantial knowledge and talent have been removed from the company and not replaced, and staff morale is low. There seems to be almost a revolving door, even up to country manager level.