Vantaggi
You will likely work with great support staff and peers. Work life balance is OK (as long as you are not in consulting). Telecommuting is an option for some positions
Svantaggi
Where to begin? Mid level management is inconsistent and highly political. Virtually everything revolves around the quarterly revenue cycle. If you are not making your revenue goal, prepared to be flogged. It is impossible to get a "meets expectations" on your annual review if you do not hit your revenue goal. It wouldn't matter if you were the next Jack Welch, if you missed your number prepare for a bad annual review. The corporate culture is permeated with the "IMS arrogance" due to having weak competitors. Most customers deal with IMS because they have no real alternative, not because they love the company. Morale is in a death spiral due to the ongoing downsizing the company has been going through the last 2-3 years. IMS bought a lot of consulting practices, but they pay poorly compared to the competition (McKInsey, etc...) and IMS will always be seen as a data vendor, not a business partner. If you like a "don't rock the boat" corporate culture where originality and risk taking are not rewarded, this is the place for you. Think "Dilbert" meets "Big Pharma" and you've got the picture.