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Deep AnalysisVendor VignetteProgress CorticonFounded 1981 HQ Bedford, MA 1,500 employees 431.9M revenue (2019)Progress is an application development software company with morethan two million users and a 30-year-plus track record. Progressprovides a low-code digital decisioning platform for business processes;low-code application development tools; digital experience softwarefor chat, mobile, and web apps; and AI/ML tools for developing andoperationalizing data science.The Company(SMEs), and business analysts rather thanapplication developers. In addition to businessrules, the Corticon platform provides predictiveProgress is a publicly held company thatdata-driven decisioning. Given the criticalitywas founded in 1981, employs approximatelyof digital decisioning for many automated1,500 people worldwide, and has offices in 16business processes that Progress targetscountries. Progress has over 100,000 enterprise(including insurance, financial services,customers as well as 2,000 partners thatgovernment, healthcare, and online retail),integrate and resell its portfolio of applicationCorticon has established a strong footholddevelopment, digital experience, and digitalin the digital process automation market.decisioning software. The firm’s products areCustomer examples include the State ofdesigned for rapid development and focusedMaryland (which has automated 2,500 rulesspecifically on decision-intensive applications,to revitalize the failing healthcare exchange)mobile apps, and immersive, cognitive digitaland Boston Heart Diagnostics (whichexperiences.developed a customizable, personalized patientMarket andTechnology Positioningplatform operated by business practitioners).Although Progress sells Corticon directlyto enterprises, the majority of its sales areProgress’s flagship digital decisioningthrough large systems integrators (such asplatform,1 Corticon, is a low-code,Deloitte), OEM partnerships, and an extensivemodel-driven approach for creating andISV channel. These partners often add workflowmanaging business rules that is targetedautomation and other process automationat businesspeople, subject-matter expertsfeatures to the Progress decisioning solution,Deep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.netNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon1
which puts Corticon squarely in the digitalprocess automation market via its channelpartners. Progress’s low-code digitalFigure 1Corticon’s Market Positioningdecisioning platform is often combined withCorticon has overlapping functionality within three marketsthird-party process automation softwareand is deeply entrenched in digital decisioningto fully automate operational, customerexperience, and end-to-end processes.Because of its footprint as a component ofdigital process automation platforms and acomprehensive digital decisioning platform,Corticon exists at the nexus of low-code, digitalprocess automation, and digital decisioningsoftware (see Figure 1).DIGITALDECISIONINGPLATFORMDIGITAL PROCESSAUTOMATIONPLATFORMReal-time insightsthrough analytics,machine learning, anddecision modelingTools for discovering,designing, automating,monitoring andimproving businessprocessesIn some situations, Corticon competeshead-to-head with low-code digital processautomation vendors, such as Appian or K2. Thismay happen if the organization is evaluatingwhether to buy a standalone digital decisioningproduct or an embedded business rules engineLOW-CODEPLATFORMVisual, intuitive, pre-builttools for businesspeopleand developerswithin a digital process automation platform. Inmost instances, Corticon is squared off againstother decisioning platform vendors (e.g.,Equifax, Experian, and FICO) as well as digitaldecisioning vendors that offer decisioningfunctionality with their digital processautomation platforms (e.g., IBM, Oracle,Pegasystems, and Software AG). Frequently,automation and digital decisioning insupport of a low-code, case managementapproach. In this scenario, digitaldecisioning is core to executing thethe varying approaches overlap sufficiently thatbusiness process, but workflow/casesome enterprises look at vendors that are notmanagement software is equally important.considered direct, head-to-head competitors.For the decisioning part of the solution, theWhen competing directly against processunderwriting SMEs involved with businessautomation vendors, Progress tackles thepolicies, rules, marketing initiatives, andopportunity from a low-code business rulesregulations use Corticon to write andand analytics angle. In contrast, the processupdate decisioning rules. By relying onautomation vendors take a low-code workflowbusiness experts, organizations can quicklyapproach with decisioning rules embeddedchange and update parameters whenwithin the process platform.rolling out new marketing programs orFollowing are two contrasting examples of howimplementing new regulations.Corticon is implemented for different types ofFor example, one organization currentlybusiness processes:uses Corticon to underwrite vehicle1. Underwriting mortgages – this processregistration. In a project team of 12 peopletypically requires both workflowDeep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.networking with Corticon, approximatelyNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon2
half are involved in writing rules while theWhile Corticon can tackle both scenarios,rest work to integrate Corticon with otherthe company relies upon different channelssystems. The rules-focused staff are notdepending on the type of business processesprogrammers but have in-depth knowledgeinvolved. For example, Progress pursues theand deep domain expertise. Across thefollowing channels in its go-to-market strategy:entire business process, other workers havea different focus (beyond Corticon) and areresponsible for using the case managementsystem to automate and execute theunderwriting process.Usually sells Corticon directly toenterprises or through ISVs when theenterprises need decision-intensiveautomation (e.g., credentialing) but havea low requirement for workflow. This2. Credentialing/certification – thisdecisioning approach gives businessdecisioning-intensive process usuallyowners the flexibility to automate andrequires business rules but relies less (orcontrol their own highly dynamic processesnot at all) upon workflow automation. Forwithout relying upon or waiting for often-example, financial institutions use digitaldelayed assistance from IT.decisioning to maintain their credentialsand/or certification. Credentialing is lessworkflow-oriented but is heavily dependentupon decisioning rules. Why? Thousands ofindividuals in these institutions periodicallyundergo additional training and testingto maintain and update their credentials,which usually vary by state. Tracking thishigh-volume activity doesn’t require a linearRelies on ISVs, OEMs and SIs to automatedigital decisioning processes that alsoinvolve workflow automation and othersoftware components. Partners for thesetypes of situations include TIBCO, Genpact(HR payroll services), DXC (episodes ofpatient care and Medicare/Medicaid), andQAD (ERP).workflow progression; rather, it involvesSells directly to a limited number ofcreating, tracking, and updating complexenterprises that “roll their own” solutionsdecisioning rules that are challenging, if notusing digital decisioning, other tooling,impossible, to manage manually.software components, and in-houseresources. For example, Boston Heart hasTable 1Corticon Decisioning Platform’s Use Cases and ChannelsType of Process ExampleCharacteristicsCorticon ChannelDecisioning/workflowUnderwritingDecisioning rules and analytics areembedded or integrated into the processautomation platform to support complexcase management/workflow automationSold primarily through OEMs, systemsintegrators, and resellers; or sold directly toenterprises (less frequently)DecisioningonlyCredentialingDigital decisioning platform manages highvolume, complex tracking, monitoring andupdating system; no workflow automationrequiredSold directly to enterprises; also sold indirectlythrough value-added ISV channelsDeep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.netNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon3
developed a highly customized tool forsummations and reports on cardiac andpatient wellness based upon Corticon’sFigure 2Progress Corticon’s Strategic Positioningdigital decisioning platform.businessappsFigure 2 provides a high-level overview oflow-codeCorticon’s strategic positioning. (Note: thisradar graphic is not a product analysis orproduct rating; rather, it represents vendorpositioning within the digital processcustomerexperienceautomation market.)12345RPAA deeper analysis of the categories on thegraph shows:The digital decisioning egic focus is centered on low-codesoftware for businesspeople, businessAI/MLanalysts, and business domain subjectmatter experts. In fact, this orientationhas always been Corticon’s forte, evenbefore the term “low-code” was coined.Corticon’s historic emphasis of supportingbusinesspeople with an Excel-centricspreadsheet approach (which is easy forpower users to learn and apply) dovetailsLegendlow-code0 – no emphasis on low code1 – business developer focus3 – extensive low-code tooling5 – general purpose low-codemarketwith low-code objectives; no programmingis needed other than integrating thedigital decisioning platform with otherapplications. Progress has recentlyextended Corticon’s functionality byintegrating Corticon with Kinvey, anotherRPA0 – no RPA offering1 – custom integration3 – 1 partners/OOBconnectors5 – deep partnership/nativeRPAProgress product that provides a low-codedevelopment platform for building weband mobile applications that function inserverless deployments.Progress views robotic processautomation (RPA) functionality ascrucially important to enterprises andrelies on OEMs and systems integratorsto address those situations. Progress saysits customers are more interested in addingRPA to the Corticon platform than workflowor digital process automation. Progresshas reached out to potential RPA partnersDeep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.netcontent services0 – no content support1 – native content support3 – partnership with 1 contentproviders5 – native content services/managementbusiness operations0 – focus on CX only1 – targeting the back office3 – pre-built use cases for backoffice5 – strategic focus on complexbusiness operationscustomer experience0 – focus on biz ops only1 – focus on CX for biz ops3 – targeting sales andmarketing5 – strategic focus on end-toend CX-centric processesbusiness apps0 – no focus on business apps1 – pre-built templates/formsfor specific processes3 – 1 pre-built apps 50%packaged5 – fully packaged appsAI/ML0 – no focus on AI/ML1 – initial insights/experimentation3 – multiple AI/ML deployments(e.g., capture, next bestaction, NLP)5 – native AI/ML in DPA productNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon4
in North America and has also acquiredBusiness operations is a core targetIpswitch to extend RPA functionality withinmarket. Progress has a long heritagethe Corticon digital decisioning platform.of working with enterprises to supportLike many other vendors in the digitalcompliance, fraud detection, credentialing,process automation space, Progress isclaims processing, underwriting, and manycurrently evaluating its RPA options butother operational processes. Becauseintends to work with a variety of providers.Progress has an indirect channel strategy,For content-intensive processes, Progressoffers an integrated digital experiencesolution called the DXP platform, whichbundles content and business rules.This platform is supported by the Progressportfolio built upon Progress Sitefinity(content management system), ProgressDataDirect connectivity, Kendo UI front-endtools, and Ipswitch. The platform can, forexample, push web content based on rules,identify a persona, feed custom content toconsumers, and provide personalization.The DXP platform can be sold directly tothese applications are typically created bylarge systems integrators, OEMs, and ISVs(although enterprises sometimes buildtheir operational solutions using in-houseresources). Customer examples includethe US Bureau of the Interior (managingthe closing of offshore oil wells) andeBay (determining whether a transactionrequires escrow funds). Financial servicescompanies use Corticon to produce,manage, and track all the documentsrelated to purchasing a home by usingtemplates and rules.enterprises but often the go-to market isCustomer experience is a strategicthrough indirect channels.market for Progress’s products, includingAI/ML is intrinsic to the Corticon digitaldecisioning platform. This is particularlytrue given that business rules overlap withand preceded AI/ML technology. From anintegration perspective, Corticon can workwith AI/ML upstream or downstream inthe process. Progress is now working tobetter determine how to integrate businessrules with deep learning for analyzingpast activities within compliance and riskanalysis processes. For example, integratorsare using Corticon to call external servicesand risk ratings from loan applications, andthen integrate decisioning with machinethe Corticon decisioning platform.Increasingly, Progress has expanded itsfocus beyond operational processes to alsotarget a range of processes that automate,personalize, and inform the customerjourney. Progress’s software portfolio (e.g.,Sitefinity, Progress Kinvey, and Corticon) istargeted at delivering predictive, immersivedigital experiences. The company’s partnersare using this broad portfolio to developcustomer-facing processes that allowthe enterprise’s end-customers to useCorticon-powered applications such aspatient portals.learning to determine if a loan should beMany out-of-the-box applicationsapproved or denied. Corticon analyzespowered by Corticon and other Progressproperties related to the loan originationplatforms are provided by OEMs, systemsdecision and then derives rules from thatintegrators, and ISVs. Corticon looks toprocess.its partner channel to develop repeatablesolutions rather than developing theminternally. As previously mentioned,Deep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.netNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon5
partners that provide business applicationsinclude Genpact (HR payroll services), DXC(episodes of patient care and Medicare/Medicaid), and QAD (ERP Manufacturing.)EDM, a UK-based partner, provides propertyevaluation for mortgage processing, whichincludes automating damage assessmentsfor Avis rental car properties.Advice to BuyersOrganizations seeking a digital decisioningplatform that provides business rulesmanagement and advanced analytics shouldput the Corticon platform on their shortlists. Corticon is particularly well suited fordecisioning-intensive processes that areundergoing business transformation to deliverOur OpinionCorticon is a well-established, leadingdigital decisioning platform that is widelyimplemented alongside or embedded indigital process automation platforms.predictive and immersive digital experiencesinvolving mobile and social channels, anddynamic, personalized web content. Inparticular, Corticon is a strong match fororganizations that seek a decisioning platformwith tooling truly designed (i.e., not hyped) forProgress has a significant footprint in twobusinesspeople, business analysts, and SMEs.overlapping markets, both of which are usedTo take full advantage of the Corticon platform,to support decision-intensive processes. Thebuyers must carefully examine the channelcompany’s long-term commitment to supportpartners because the extent and variety ofsoftware for businesspeople, business analysts,components and platforms that the partnersand SMEs has given it a significant advantageuse to add value span a wide spectrum.in today’s low-code software market. Progresswould do well to consider acquiring a digitalprocess automation platform, but this is highlyunlikely given its prior history in the BPMmarket (e.g., the Savvion acquisition) andthe firm’s strategic commitment to work withmany OEMs and SIs across a range of processautomation software, RPA, and other third-partycomponents. Alternatively (or additionally),Progress should consider making an RPAacquisition, as the RPA market is just beginningto converge. However, both of these coursesare unlikely given Progress’s commitment toprovide an open platform for channel partnersto build upon. Progress would also do well todouble down on marketing communicationsand product marketing resources in order tomore effectively get its messages out aboutthe potential for integrating digital decisioning,digital experiences, web content and social/mobile channels, and AI/ML for transformedbusiness processes.Deep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.netNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon6
SOAR AnalysisStrengthsAspirationsDemonstrable strength and track record inPursue the RPA market aggressively while remainingproviding easy-to-use decisioning tools foropen to partnerships with multiple vendorsbusinesspeople, business analysts, and SMEsIncorporate deep learning into Corticon’s predictiveExtensive channel partners ranging from OEMsanalysis for compliance and regulatory processesand large systems integrators to ISVsExpand beyond today’s market to pushIntegration with Progress low-code digitaldecisioning processes to the edge via IoT devicesexperience platformCreate tooling to monitor social feeds, sentimentCorticon combined with Progress DataDirectanalysis, and decisioning rules based on end-REST Connectorcustomers’ mood changes – and respond inreal timeDevelop the ability to express rule defectionsacross customer service apps, restful APIs,customer channels, and other data sourcesOpportunitiesResultsCapitalize now on embedding AI/ML across theImpressive footprint in digital decisioningdecisioning platform and the digital experienceAssertive positioning from leveragingplatformthe Corticon platform with Kinvey (MXDXP) andAmp up marketing communications messagesSitefinity (web content and DXP)and product marketing strategy to create greatermarket awarenessPursue digital transformation opportunities fordeploying rules in a serverless architecture whileintegrating social tools, content management,and decisioning servicesEndnotes1 Digital decisioning platforms encompassdigital process automation, business rulesmanagement, and advanced analytics.Research Series:Digital Process Automation State of the MarketThis report is part of Deep Analysis’s Digital Process Automation State of theMarket research series, which includes these reports:State of the Digital Process Automation Market: Current Assessment 2019State of the Digital Process Automation Market: Trends 2020-2025Vendor Vignettes for Digital Process Automation VendorsDeep Analysis 2020 info@deep-analysis.netNot for DistributionVendor Vignette : Progress Corticon7
Deep AnalysisAbout Deep AnalysisDeep Analysis is an advisory firm that helps organizationsunderstand and address the challenges of innovative anddisruptive technologies in the enterprise software marketplace.Its work is built on decades of experience in advising andconsulting to global technology firms large and small, from IBM,Oracle, and HP to countless start-ups.About the AuthorConnie Moore is Vice President andLed by Alan Pelz-Sharpe, the firm focuses on InformationPrincipal Analyst at Deep Analysis.Management and the business application of Cloud, ArtificialShe joined the firm after four yearsIntelligence, and Blockchain. Deep Analysis recently publishedas Senior Vice President, Research, atthe book "Practical Artificial Intelligence: An EnterpriseDigital Clarity Group, and more thantwenty years as Research Director andPlaybook," co-authored by Alan and Kashyap Kompella,Vice President at Forrester Research.o
In some situations, Corticon competes head-to-head with low-code digital process automation vendors, such as Appian or K2. This may happen if the organization is evaluating whether to buy a standalone digital decisioning produc
