Highlights PwC's Diamond Advisory Services

Global consulting firm, DiamondCluster International was formally established in November 2000 through the combination of international consulting firms Diamond Technology Partners (founded 1994) and Cluster Consulting (founded 1993). DiamondCluster, by combining the strengths of its predecessors, has emerged as a premier business strategy and technology solutions firm.

1+1=1

Diamond Technology Partners was one of the first firms of its kind to be virtual - with no set offices outside its headquarters in Chicago and a small Cleveland office. Anthony Paoni, formerly a professor at Kellogg School of Management, now Partner at DiamondCluster, approvingly told CNNfn: "What is unique about Diamond is that they started with a clean sheet of paper, so the good news is that they didn't have an existing structure to dismantle."

The combined firm has more than 1,100 consultants serving clients around the world in a variety of industries, including financial services; consumer and retail; industrial products; telecommunications/media; insurance/healthcare/life sciences; and high-technology

Headquartered in Chicago, DiamondCluster has offices in Barcelona, Boston, Dusseldorf, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Munich, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Sao Paulo.

The facets of DiamondCluster's internal structure

DiamondCluster consultants combine their expertise in strategy, execution and technology on multidisciplinary teams to deliver results. The firm's capabilities include business strategy (creative thinking and rigorous analysis of the shifting landscape, increased competition, unique market opportunities, and emerging digital technologies); marketing strategy (developing marketing plans and programs that acquire customers and capture value from target market segments); value management (guiding complex programs and start-up situations through effective management); business operations (building the core business capabilities required to launch and run a sustainable, profitable business); and technology solutions delivered through Diamond Marketspace Solutions.

The firm's Diamond Marketspace Solutions group provides DiamondCluster clients with a delivery process and resources for producing world-class technology-based solutions. DMS Global Solution Centers accelerate delivery through experience and specialized resources. Leading edge Delivery, Media, and Technology labs leverage best-in-class tools and conduct research on emerging technologies in eBusiness. The facilities are staffed with professionals with deep experience and all the technical and functional skills necessary to transform strategy and technology into client value.

Top-notch clients around the world

DiamondCluster has consistently delivered business strategy and technology solutions to top clients worldwide, providing services to Investment Banks, technology firms and a host of other businesses. Their client list includes such heavyweights as Goldman Sachs; Sears, Bank of America; Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, a global telecommunications supplier.

A mobile and open firm

Insiders generally speak highly of DiamondCluster's environment of fluid advancement. "DiamondCluster is a very, very mobile organization, upward and otherwise. There is increasing focus on merit-based advancement." As for DiamondCluster's status as a public company, the reviews are all thumbs up. "We are an anomaly in the consulting industry because everyone in the firm has stock or stock options in the firm," explains one insider. Is everything shared at DiamondCluster? "Information is also shared," discloses another insider. (Well, it is a public company.) "Every week the employees hear about recent company news." All in all, DiamondCluster insiders seem hell-bent on spreading the good news of their company. "I would - and have - recommended DiamondCluster to several friends," says a contact. "I've worked for DiamondCluster for over a year after graduating from business school. So far, my experience has been great."

"On the road" by DiamondCluster

DiamondCluster consultants travel frequently and often work at client sites at locations around the world. "I view the travel as a perk," chirps one enthusiastic consultant. "Unlike 'normal' jobs, I commute to work only once per week instead of five times per week. Of course, I do not mind living out of a suitcase." Another insider reveals, "DiamondCluster provides us with lots of travel-worthy equipment. Things like Lotus Notes and dial up network access facilitate an effective work environment anywhere there is a phone line."

Why DiamondCluster?

DiamondCluster has many unusual perks that its consultants love. One MBA grad was initially attracted to DiamondCluster because of its "entrepreneurial feel and emphasis on the integration of business and technology," while another insider likes the company because of the "chance to be part of a new firm and participate in its growth." Others find the "live anywhere policy" [available only in the US] to be a big draw, "especially for dual career couples." One consultant indicates "the fact that the firm is self-insured makes the firms health care policy extremely attractive compared to other firms."

Great perks

The best perk is working in a collaborative environment with other bright professionals who are passionate about delivering results for their clients.