Gideon Gartner

Gideon I. Gartner (1935–2020) was a pioneering entrepreneur, analyst, and philanthropist whose career helped define the modern IT research and advisory industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1956 and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1960.

Gartner began his career with technical and marketing roles at IBM, working in emerging European and Middle Eastern markets at a time when commercial computing was still in its infancy. In the 1970s he moved into financial analysis on Wall Street, becoming one of the most influential technology analysts of his era. At Oppenheimer & Co., he was repeatedly ranked the top computer-industry analyst in the annual Institutional Investor survey, establishing a reputation for clarity, independence, and sharp judgment.

In 1979 he founded Gartner Group (now Gartner Inc., NYSE: IT), introducing a new model for technology research by focusing on concise, decision-oriented analysis accessible to both executives and technologists. Under his leadership the firm grew rapidly and became the global standard for IT advisory services. Today, Gartner Inc. is a multinational enterprise with thousands of analysts, consultants, and researchers serving clients in more than 100 countries, providing strategic guidance to corporations, governments, and investors worldwide.

After leaving Gartner Group, he continued to innovate. In the 1980s he launched SoundView Technology Group (originally Gartner Securities), an investment research and advisory company specializing in emerging technology markets. In 1995 he founded GiGa Information Group, extending his vision for fast, pragmatic, high-impact technology analysis. Both firms further established his leadership in shaping how organizations evaluate and adopt new technologies.

Beyond his business achievements, Gartner was a generous supporter of the arts and civic organizations. He served on the boards of the Opera Orchestra of New York and the Aspen Music Festival, and supported cultural and educational initiatives in both Aspen and New York City. He also contributed archival materials to the Charles Babbage Institute, helping preserve early documentation of the technology research industry.

Gideon Gartner’s legacy includes transforming IT research into a global discipline and mentoring generations of analysts, entrepreneurs, and executives. His work continues to influence how organizations evaluate technologies and make strategic decisions in a rapidly changing digital world.