Key Insights
The School Information Management System (SIMS) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing need for efficient administration, enhanced student engagement, and improved data-driven decision-making within educational institutions. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.40% from 2019 to 2024 suggests a significant market expansion, projected to continue in the forecast period (2025-2033). The shift towards cloud-based solutions is a major trend, offering scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness compared to on-premise systems. This is particularly true for smaller institutions lacking the IT infrastructure to support large, locally hosted systems. Furthermore, the integration of advanced analytics and AI capabilities within SIMS is gaining traction, enabling educators to identify at-risk students, personalize learning experiences, and optimize resource allocation. While data security and privacy concerns remain a restraint, robust security protocols and compliance certifications are increasingly addressed by vendors, mitigating this risk. The market is segmented by deployment (on-premise and cloud) and application (administration, finance, academics, and others), with the cloud segment experiencing the fastest growth due to its inherent advantages. North America currently holds a significant market share, but the Asia-Pacific region is poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing government investments in education technology and rising digital literacy.
The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players like Workday Inc. and Ellucian Company LP, and emerging technology providers. These companies are focusing on innovative features, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market position. The continued adoption of SIMS across various educational levels—from K-12 to higher education—will fuel market expansion. Furthermore, the increasing demand for improved parent-teacher communication and student engagement tools integrated within SIMS platforms will further drive growth. The long-term outlook for the SIMS market remains positive, driven by technological advancements, evolving educational needs, and the continuous pursuit of data-driven efficiency within the education sector. The market is expected to reach significant value by 2033, consolidating its position as a crucial component of the modern educational ecosystem.

School Information Management System (SIMS) Industry Report: 2019-2033
This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the School Information Management System (SIMS) industry, offering actionable insights for stakeholders across the value chain. The report covers the period 2019-2033, with a focus on the estimated year 2025, and incorporates key market trends, competitive dynamics, and future growth projections. The global SIMS market is expected to reach xx Million by 2033.
School Information Management System Industry Market Concentration & Innovation
The SIMS market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape with several major players and a multitude of smaller niche providers. Market leaders, such as Workday Inc, Frontline Education, and Ellucian Company LP, command significant market share, estimated at xx% collectively in 2025, leveraging their established brand recognition and extensive product portfolios. However, the market is characterized by ongoing innovation driven by several factors.
- Technological advancements: Cloud computing, AI-powered analytics, and mobile accessibility are reshaping the SIMS landscape, creating opportunities for new entrants and driving product differentiation.
- Regulatory compliance: Evolving data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, FERPA) necessitate continuous innovation in data security and management features within SIMS solutions, driving demand for robust, compliant systems.
- Product substitution: While established players maintain a strong hold, the rise of integrated platforms offering broader educational technology (EdTech) solutions poses a potential threat as schools seek more holistic platforms.
- End-user trends: The increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and data-driven decision-making within educational institutions fuels the adoption of advanced analytics and reporting capabilities in SIMS.
- M&A activity: Consolidation within the industry is evident, with several significant M&A deals valued at xx Million in the past five years, indicating an ongoing trend towards market concentration and the expansion of product offerings.
School Information Management System Industry Industry Trends & Insights
The SIMS market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several factors. The global market CAGR is projected at xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033), fueled by increasing digitalization in education, growing government investments in educational infrastructure, and the rising need for efficient school administration. The market penetration of cloud-based SIMS solutions is steadily increasing, projected to reach xx% by 2033, surpassing on-premise deployments.
Technological disruptions are significantly impacting the industry, with cloud-based solutions gaining traction due to their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Consumer preferences are shifting towards user-friendly, integrated platforms that offer seamless data management and advanced analytics. Competitive dynamics are marked by ongoing innovation, product differentiation, and strategic partnerships, driving the evolution of SIMS solutions to meet the changing needs of educational institutions.

Dominant Markets & Segments in School Information Management System Industry
The North American region holds a dominant position in the SIMS market, representing xx% of the global market share in 2025. This dominance is attributed to several factors:
- High level of technology adoption: Schools in North America are early adopters of educational technologies, including SIMS.
- Strong government support: Government funding and initiatives promoting educational technology adoption contribute significantly to market growth.
- Well-developed infrastructure: Robust technological infrastructure supports the widespread deployment of cloud-based and on-premise SIMS solutions.
Segment Analysis:
- By Type: The cloud segment is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access. On-premise solutions still hold a considerable market share, particularly in institutions with stringent data security requirements.
- By Application: The administration, finance, and academics applications constitute the major segments, with the administration segment projected to maintain its largest market share due to the critical role SIMS plays in managing student enrollment, attendance, and other administrative tasks. The finance segment is witnessing robust growth as schools increasingly seek improved financial management and reporting capabilities.
School Information Management System Industry Product Developments
Recent product innovations focus on enhancing user experience, integrating advanced analytics, and improving data security. Cloud-based solutions are increasingly incorporating AI-powered features for personalized learning recommendations and predictive analytics. Integration with other EdTech platforms is also a key focus, creating a more holistic ecosystem for educational institutions. These advancements aim to streamline administrative processes, enhance decision-making, and ultimately improve learning outcomes.
Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis
This report segments the SIMS market by type (on-premise, cloud) and by application (administration, finance, academics, other applications). Each segment's growth trajectory, market size, and competitive dynamics are analyzed, providing detailed insights into the current and future state of the SIMS market. The cloud segment is projected to experience significant growth, driven by increasing accessibility and cost-effectiveness. The administration application segment maintains the largest market share, reflecting the core operational needs of educational institutions.
Key Drivers of School Information Management System Industry Growth
Several key factors drive the growth of the SIMS industry. Technological advancements, such as cloud computing and AI, are transforming SIMS capabilities, enabling better data analysis and personalized learning. Government initiatives supporting educational technology adoption and increasing investments in educational infrastructure fuel market growth. Rising demand for data-driven decision-making within educational institutions also drives adoption.
Challenges in the School Information Management System Industry Sector
The SIMS industry faces challenges such as data security concerns, the need for seamless integration with legacy systems, and the complexities of managing diverse user needs across different educational institutions. High implementation costs and the need for ongoing training and support can also hinder widespread adoption in certain regions. Competition from smaller, specialized vendors poses a significant challenge to established players.
Emerging Opportunities in School Information Management System Industry
Emerging opportunities lie in the development of AI-powered features for personalized learning, the integration of SIMS with other EdTech platforms, and the expansion into underserved markets. The increasing demand for data-driven insights to improve learning outcomes presents significant opportunities for providers to develop advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. International expansion into developing economies presents another significant growth avenue.
Leading Players in the School Information Management System Industry Market
- Workday Inc
- Frontline Education
- Foradian Technologies
- Jenzabar Inc
- Open Solution For Education Inc
- Engage MI
- XIPHIAS Software Technologies
- Ellucian Company LP
- Technology One Corporation
- Tribal Group PLC
Key Developments in School Information Management System Industry Industry
- October 2022: Jenzabar, Inc. announced that 11 higher education institutions chose its solutions, and 16 more went live with its software, demonstrating strong market adoption. This highlights the success of Jenzabar's offerings and their ability to meet the needs of higher education institutions effectively and efficiently.
- July 2022: Launch of the Lao PDR Education and Sports Management Information System (LESMIS), supported by the European Union and UNICEF. This initiative exemplifies the growing global demand for SIMS solutions and the potential for international expansion within the industry. It also indicates increasing collaborations between governments and technology providers to improve education systems.
Strategic Outlook for School Information Management System Industry Market
The SIMS market is poised for continued growth, driven by ongoing technological innovation, increasing digitalization in education, and the growing need for efficient data management within educational institutions. Opportunities exist for providers to develop innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of schools, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and seamless integrations with other EdTech platforms. The focus on improving learning outcomes through data-driven insights will be a key driver of future market development.
School Information Management System Industry Segmentation
-
1. Type
- 1.1. On-Premise
- 1.2. Cloud
-
2. Application
- 2.1. Administration
- 2.2. Finance
- 2.3. Academics
- 2.4. Other Applications
School Information Management System Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. North America
- 2. Europe
- 3. Asia Pacific
- 4. Rest of World

School Information Management System Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 12.40% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Greater Emphasis on the use of Technology as a Tool to Track Student Activity; Growing Investments from Governments and Local Bodies to Improve Educational Quality in Public Schools
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Awareness & Operational-related Challenges a Concern
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Greater Emphasis on the Use of Technology as a Tool to Track Student Activity is Expected to Boost Market Growth
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 5.1.1. On-Premise
- 5.1.2. Cloud
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.2.1. Administration
- 5.2.2. Finance
- 5.2.3. Academics
- 5.2.4. Other Applications
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.3.1. North America
- 5.3.2. Europe
- 5.3.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.3.4. Rest of World
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6. North America School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6.1.1. On-Premise
- 6.1.2. Cloud
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.2.1. Administration
- 6.2.2. Finance
- 6.2.3. Academics
- 6.2.4. Other Applications
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7. Europe School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7.1.1. On-Premise
- 7.1.2. Cloud
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.2.1. Administration
- 7.2.2. Finance
- 7.2.3. Academics
- 7.2.4. Other Applications
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8. Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8.1.1. On-Premise
- 8.1.2. Cloud
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.2.1. Administration
- 8.2.2. Finance
- 8.2.3. Academics
- 8.2.4. Other Applications
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9. Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9.1.1. On-Premise
- 9.1.2. Cloud
- 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 9.2.1. Administration
- 9.2.2. Finance
- 9.2.3. Academics
- 9.2.4. Other Applications
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 10. North America School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 10.1.1.
- 11. Europe School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 11.1.1.
- 12. Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 12.1.1.
- 13. Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 13.1.1.
- 14. Competitive Analysis
- 14.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 14.2. Company Profiles
- 14.2.1 Workday Inc
- 14.2.1.1. Overview
- 14.2.1.2. Products
- 14.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.2 Frontline Education
- 14.2.2.1. Overview
- 14.2.2.2. Products
- 14.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.3 Foradian Technologies
- 14.2.3.1. Overview
- 14.2.3.2. Products
- 14.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.4 Jenzabar Inc
- 14.2.4.1. Overview
- 14.2.4.2. Products
- 14.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.5 Open Solution For Education Inc
- 14.2.5.1. Overview
- 14.2.5.2. Products
- 14.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.6 Engage MI
- 14.2.6.1. Overview
- 14.2.6.2. Products
- 14.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.7 XIPHIAS Software Technologies
- 14.2.7.1. Overview
- 14.2.7.2. Products
- 14.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.8 Ellucian Company LP
- 14.2.8.1. Overview
- 14.2.8.2. Products
- 14.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.9 Technology One Corporation
- 14.2.9.1. Overview
- 14.2.9.2. Products
- 14.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.10 Tribal Group PLC
- 14.2.10.1. Overview
- 14.2.10.2. Products
- 14.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.1 Workday Inc
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: North America School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Europe School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 26: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 27: Asia Pacific School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 28: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 29: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 30: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 31: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Application 2024 & 2032
- Figure 32: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 33: Rest of World School Information Management System Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: School Information Management System Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Global School Information Management System Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the School Information Management System Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 12.40%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the School Information Management System Industry?
Key companies in the market include Workday Inc, Frontline Education, Foradian Technologies, Jenzabar Inc, Open Solution For Education Inc, Engage MI, XIPHIAS Software Technologies, Ellucian Company LP, Technology One Corporation, Tribal Group PLC.
3. What are the main segments of the School Information Management System Industry?
The market segments include Type, Application.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Greater Emphasis on the use of Technology as a Tool to Track Student Activity; Growing Investments from Governments and Local Bodies to Improve Educational Quality in Public Schools.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Greater Emphasis on the Use of Technology as a Tool to Track Student Activity is Expected to Boost Market Growth.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Awareness & Operational-related Challenges a Concern.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
October 2022: Jenzabar, Inc., one of the leading digital pioneers in higher education for the new student, announced that 11 higher education institutions had chosen Jenzabar's solutions to help them promote student success and creativity across campus in the third quarter of 2022 and another 16 institutions went live with Jenzabar software, demonstrating Jenzabar's dedication to getting customers up and running with the most up-to-date solution on time and budget.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "School Information Management System Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the School Information Management System Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the School Information Management System Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the School Information Management System Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence