ISG Recommends Advanced Revenue Lifecycle Management Platforms to Boost Efficiency and Innovation in Enterprises

Information Services Group (ISG), a global AI-focused technology research and advisory firm, has released new research emphasizing the importance of modern revenue lifecycle management (RLM) software for enterprises looking to transition from traditional sales transactions to efficient ongoing revenue processes. According to ISG's Buyers Guides™ for Revenue Lifecycle Management, companies in various industries must adopt advanced pricing and revenue models to stay competitive, as traditional systems often hinder rapid change and innovation. The research highlights that modern RLM platforms integrate multiple functions—such as configure price quote (CPQ), contract lifecycle management (CLM), revenue recognition, and billing—into a unified system. This integration moves beyond the linear quote-to-cash process, allowing for seamless and error-free management of sales and revenue across different stages. By digitizing and storing all key information, these platforms minimize data transfer errors and enhance customer engagement through automated actions like subscription renewals. ISG's analysis indicates that a true RLM system can guide sellers and account teams through the entire quoting and approval process, embed contract terms, facilitate order fulfillment, and manage billing schedules. This holistic approach not only reduces operational costs but also provides valuable insights into customer behavior, product performance, and process efficiency. Although the use of AI in RLM is still in its early stages, platforms with well-documented AI strategies are poised to offer long-term value. Despite these advancements, ISG predicts that more than half of enterprises will continue to rely on manual processes for integrating quotes and contracts through 2026. This could lead to billing and delivery errors, negatively impacting customer satisfaction and experience. The ISG Buyers Guides™ for 2025 evaluated 42 software providers across six platform categories: Revenue Lifecycle Management, Revenue Lifecycle Platforms, Revenue Recognition, Contract Lifecycle Management, CPQ, and Billing. Each provider was rated in seven categories: usability, manageability, reliability, capability, adaptability, validation, and total cost of ownership and return on investment (TCO/ROI). Providers with the highest scores in each category were designated as Leaders, while those with strong ratings were named Exemplary or Innovative. Overall Leaders in Each Category: Revenue Lifecycle Management: Conga (Leader in 7 categories) Oracle (Leader in 6 categories) BillingPlatform (Leader in 5 categories) Revenue Lifecycle Platforms: Conga (Leader in 7 categories) BillingPlatform (Leader in 5 categories) Oracle (Leader in 5 categories) Revenue Recognition: BillingPlatform (Leader in 5 categories) Oracle (Leader in 6 categories) Zuora (Leader in 3 categories) Contract Lifecycle Management: Conga (Leader in 7 categories) Docusign (Leader in 5 categories) Zoho (Leader in 2 categories) Configure, Price, Quote: Conga (Leader in 7 categories) Oracle (Leader in 6 categories) PROS (Leader in 2 categories) Billing: BillingPlatform (Leader in 5 categories) Oracle (Leader in 5 categories) Zuora (Leader in 3 categories) Mark Smith, partner and chief software analyst at ISG Software Research, notes that managing revenue lifecycles is crucial for enhancing customer experience but is often complicated by fragmented or specialized software. The Buyers Guides™ aim to help enterprises identify the best-fit software solutions to modernize their RLM processes and reduce operational costs. These guides are the culmination of extensive market and product research, conducted independently to assist enterprises in optimizing their technology investments. They offer detailed rankings and insights into the strengths of each provider, enabling businesses to make informed decisions. ISG Software Research, a division of ISG, is renowned for its authoritative coverage and analysis of the business and IT software industry. The firm offers a range of consulting, advisory, research, and education services to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments. Founded in 2006, ISG serves over 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, and leverages AI to drive operational excellence and faster growth. For more information on ISG's Buyers Guides™ for Revenue Lifecycle Management, visit their website at www.isg-research.net. Industry insiders acknowledge that the shift to modern RLM platforms is essential for businesses aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. The integration of AI and the unification of different revenue management tools can significantly enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, making it a strategic priority for enterprises. ISG’s comprehensive research and unbiased evaluations provide valuable guidance for companies navigating this transformation.