Global entity IDC and diversified group Cyber Media (CM) today said they will pursue their own IT research business plans from March this year, bringing an end to a 23-year partnership.

"Effective February 28, 2011, the two companies will move forward on their individual paths after a long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnership. CyberMedia will explore diversification of its research activities into IT and other domains. IDC will expand its research business in India with a direct presence," read a joint statement.

CM was IDC's partner and representative for its research business in India. The partnership, which started in 1987, provided data and trend analysis to the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in India.

"With India now representing one of the most important ICT markets in the world, IDC has decided to increase its investment in India.

This investment will enable IDC to provide more comprehensive coverage of India's evolving ICT market and to better service the needs of IDC's customers in India," Kirk Campbell, President and CEO of IDC said.

IDC will set up a wholly-owned India research business unit in Bangalore, which is expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2011.

CM, on the other hand, will expand its market research portfolio from March and start a 'entrepreneurship and BioTechnology' research practice.

"CM Research (CMR) will expand its market research activities to biotechnology, outsourcing, environment and entrepreneurship while continuing to offer information and research services in the ICT domain," Pradeep Gupta, CMD of CyberMedia said.

Headed by Thomas George, CRM will offer both syndicated and custom research. "Starting with a team of 50, we hope to double this number in the next two years," Gupta said.