Not taking into consideration the sweltering heat in Mumbai, things are actually falling into place. There are channel issues that still need attention, but there are others that are being addressed and how!
Confed ITA’s lead in forming a national association of channel partners is bearing early fruits. The UP Computer Dealers’ Association has pledged support, and is drawing plans to make it a state-wide project.
The channel has just returned from its international sojourns, organized by the vendors. We congratulate those who won the awards. These are bright areas which show that the channel is still meeting its prescribed targets, innovating business strategies, and this despite the global slowdown that has now started hitting us. A few others are foraying into parallel business like telecom.
Vendors on their part are extending more support, introducing new channel strategies. A case in point being Juniper which recently enhanced its J-Partner Programme, Dell that is now giving press interviews on how it wants to leverage channel to penetrate certain key segments in India, etc.
Corporate social responsibility too is at the top of mind of the IT vendors. HP and Bluecoat recently introduced their recycling programmes in India. Not to be left behind, the channel is asking these vendors to involve it. Partners understand that such issues do not involve monetary benefit.
Last but not the least; your own ChannelTimes too is undergoing some cosmetic changes. We will present the news feature in a new format. Write your opinion on the new format to me, and also what else would you like to see in your favorite brand.
So till next weekend warm regards…