(the Yankee Group, Boston, MA, www.yankeegroup.com) A major market research, analysis and consulting firm founded in 1970 by Howard Anderson. It provides general consulting and strategic planning in the computer and communications field. Its AnalystDirect methodology offers research reports, personalized market interpretation and other customized services for its target clients in the business and technology sectors. Formerly owned by Reuters, the Yankee Group was purchased in 2004 by a private equity firm, as well as a group of private investors, one of which included Ted Philip, the former president of Lycos.