Signal is an intelligence analysis platform that automates the evaluation of technology vendors. It employs an agentic AI workflow to score vendors against a predefined analytical framework, providing a consistent and data-driven view of the market.
The platform’s methodology is two-fold. First, it leverages Large Language Models (LLMs) to frequently scan, ingest, and synthesize vast amounts of publicly available information. Second, it enriches this public data with proprietary insights using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). This RAG process draws from a curated corpus of internal research, data from strategic partners like G2, and direct input from vendors. Using this corpus of knowledge, the platform then asks itself numerous, predefined questions across our five core assessment areas. If it lacks context, it’s designed to recognize the missing information and get it, rather than simply hallucinating an answer. With this knowledge, the platform can evaluate current capabilities and extrapolate trends to predict where a product is heading.
This technology-driven process is augmented by human expertise. At the outset of a Signal, our analysts define the market, identify the vendors and products, and create the rubrics used in evaluating each vendor and product. They set the weights for each of the five core assessment areas based on their expert knowledge of what is essential in the market today and where it’s heading. The analyst also sets axioms, which are hard truths about a vendor’s track record that act as guideposts for the system. In this way, our analysts are integral to the system’s integrity and accuracy, responsible for context and prompt engineering, curating the proprietary data sources, and providing final oversight on all published content, including both opinion and scores. The output for each assessment includes a quantitative score and a detailed qualitative rationale, which analysts can readily challenge, asking the system to reassess its findings.
Signal is designed to be a dynamic tool that reflects the market in near real-time. We do not use cyclical, static “evaluative windows” or require vendors to complete bespoke surveys. Instead, we maintain an ongoing dialogue through regular briefings and welcome vendors to submit relevant materials at any time. This ensures our analysis is always current, scalable, and reflective of the latest market shifts.
What is Futurum Signal?
Futurum Signal is an AI-powered, analyst-led vendor evaluation framework that predicts a vendor’s likelihood of market success over the next 6–12 months. Unlike legacy models like Gartner’s Magic Quadrant, it delivers dynamic, real-time updates and removes the vendor burden of lengthy surveys. By combining Futurum proprietary research, partner datasets (including G2’s Voice of Customer), AI, and Futurum expert analysis, Signal takes in signals as they happen and constantly updates the analysis.
Who is Futurum Signal for?
Futurum Signal is designed for technology decision-makers, investors, and vendors seeking reliable, transparent data to inform their strategies.
How does Futurum Signal gather and score data?
We combine:
What are the five core assessment areas?
Signal assesses vendors across five core areas:
What does the scoring mean?
Scores range from Aspiring (<5.0) to Elite (8.5+):
How often is the data in Futurum Signal updated?
Continuously. Unlike static models that refresh once or twice per year, Futurum Signal updates dynamically inside the Futurum Intelligence Platform (FIP) so clients always see the most current market picture.
How is Futurum Signal able to make predictions?
We use a number of frontier models to see patterns in a massive collection of real-time data, from our own proprietary research and partner datasets to public news and financial filings. The AI extrapolates trends to predict where a product is heading and asks 34 questions across our five core assessment areas. If it encounters a lack of context, it’s designed to recognize the missing information and get it, rather than hallucinating an answer. The Futurum analyst then provides the final layer, either confirming the AI’s predictions or adjusting them with their expert insights into market dynamics.
Is Futurum Signal predictive about the technology category as a whole, or just the vendors in it?
The analysis is predictive about the vendors’ likelihood of success, but it’s grounded in a forward-looking view of the entire market. This helps buyers and investors understand the trajectory of the market and the vendors within it.
Which AI tools are you using for Futurum Signal? How do we know we can trust it?
Signal is model-agnostic. It uses a number of frontier-scale models such as OpenAI GPT and Google Gemini. The model is multimodal–it can process text, images, and sound, and can see patterns in both its training data and contextual data carried within its prompt–data that a human could easily miss. AI accelerates the research and analysis process, but it’s never the sole decision-maker. Our RAG-powered, Gemini-enhanced workflow is designed for transparency—every AI-generated score includes an explanation and confidence level that our analysts vet before publication.
What is the role of Futurum analysts in Signal?
The Futurum analysts play a very important role in Signal:
Does Futurum Signal include direct input from vendors?
Yes. Traditional surveys slow the process and can be self-serving. Signal removes that friction by continuously ingesting proprietary Futurum research, publicly available data, and partner datasets. Vendors can request briefings and submit relevant material at any time, and our analyst team incorporates it into the Signal dynamically—so vendors aren’t locked into a single “evaluation window.”
Will Futurum Signal only evaluate Futurum clients?
No. While some evaluated vendors will be Futurum clients, this is not a criterion for inclusion. The technology vendors covered in Futurum Signal will be leaders in their respective categories.
Do I need to be a Futurum customer to be included in Futurum Signal?
No. Inclusion in Futurum Signal is based on market presence, performance, and innovation—not whether a company is a Futurum client. Our goal is to provide the most accurate, forward-looking view of the market, regardless of customer status.
Can I license a Futurum Signal report?
Yes. Licensing unlocks the right to use your Signal results in marketing, sales enablement, investor relations, and thought leadership—turning independent validation into a demand-generation and competitive-positioning tool. Vendors can also upgrade to advisory engagements, Business Economic Value studies, or subscription services for deeper insights and competitive positioning. Contact us here to learn more.
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Futurum Signal is seamlessly integrated into the Futurum Intelligence Platform™, making it easy to access dynamic, up-to-date vendor evaluations whenever you need them. This connection ensures you receive real-time, actionable insights tailored for fast, confident decision-making in a rapidly changing technology landscape. Learn more or Contact Us.
Futurum Signal combines the power of Futurum’s vast proprietary data with exclusive voice of customer insights based on its strategic partnership with G2 Data. To learn more about our partnership with G2, read the press release.
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