XChange Solution Provider 2013 Coverage
With everything from cloud to BYOD to big data reshaping IT, the VAR-vendor partner relationship is facing a critical transformation. And with customers struggling to adapt IT to strengthen their organizations, it should be no suprise that the theme of XChange Solution Provider 2013 is "Driving Business Forward with IT." This year's event brought several hundred solution providers, analysts, vendor executives and other channel influencers together for a closer look at the dynamic IT trends, business model transformations and leadership strategies that are being leveraged in today's channel.
The show featured dozens of speakers, a channel chief round table, CRN's Channel Champions Awards and more, and CRN was of course on-hand to provide exclusive coverage of the event.
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More than 4,000 solution providers cast votes for this year's Channel Champions awards, rating vendors on their products, programs and more. Here's a look at CRN honoring the winners at XChange Solution Provider 2013. While overall IT spending isn't growing much, up 0.9 percent from 2010 to 2011 and 1.1 percent from 2011 to 2012 according to NPD, IT spending through the SMB VAR channel is healthier than through retailers and large direct marketers. In a panel session at UBM Tech Channel's XChange Solution Provider conference, representatives of the leading distributors outlined their roles in helping channel partners build a cloud computing business. Software-defined data center, energy management and hybrid clouds are just some of the emerging areas in the data center market, according to APC and VMware executives who participated in an XChange Solution Provider panel. Samsung's Richard Hutton says his company will strengthen its brand image in the B2B space this year, which will benefit partners. UBM Tech Channel CEO Robert Faletra says solution providers will miss the big money boat if they don't sell to chief marketing officers and line of business executives. Customers use the rebates for additional purchases through Microsoft partners, providing the channel with a sales boost. Gartner's Tiffani Bova explains how VARs need to change their business models to become a cloud player in today's IT industry. |
If you missed XChange Solution Provider 2013 in Orlando, Fla., this week, here's some of what you missed at the Solutions Pavilion. New initiatives such as extending the time partners have to spend market develop funds and the recent launch of a Partner Concierge portal aim to make HP easier to do business with. Solution providers should regularly examine their own business and be able to answer the question what will your core competencies be in 2020, said 4-Profit's Scott Goemmel. During an XChange Solution Provider session, IBM's Bill Donohue tells partners that the company is now offering guaranteed margins on IBM storage products, PureSystems servers and mainframes. Michael Dell is reaching out to partners personally to make sure they understand what is at stake in the company's $24.4 billion private equity bid. Oracle, during an XChange Solution Provider session, makes note of its enterprise-focused heritage but goes on to say that many of its offerings products now scale down to customers with 200 seats. Oracle, during an XChange Solution Provider session, makes note of its enterprise-focused heritage but goes on to say that many of its offerings products now scale down to customers with 200 seats. |
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Thanks to Microsoft and the Channel@Work volunteer team for making a difference at Grandma's House. Stay tuned for video highlights.
