The channel has a love-hate relationship with the long tail, mostly because of misconceptions about the composition and dynamics of low-performing partners. Here are 7 common misconceptions or overlooked facts about the channel’s long tail. ...
Many vendors are looking to rate their partners based on points earned in their programs. This kind of gamification and transparency is long overdue in the channel and could provide the added incentive to spur greater partner investment....
Automated digital sales – selling through marketplaces like Amazon, for example – will soon become a major source of indirect revenue for technology vendors. Now is the time for vendors to start preparing for this inevitable shift in selling....
Marketplaces and e-commerce are opening potentially lucrative sales channels for vendors. But automated digital sales channels don’t come without risks, and some vendors may find themselves initially at a disadvantage. ...
Vendors often question the reason for compensating partners on renewals. The truth: When not appropriately compensated, partners have many options that aren’t in favor of the vendor....
If vendors look beyond self-serving data points, and partners protect themselves through ‘diversification,’ channel relationships would be much healthier overall....
Vendors seek more data about partners to determine their relative value. What’s often overlooked in this equation is the cost of working with a partner and how it impacts profitability. ...
The market is full of bad news and talk of challenges ahead. In reality, 2112’s research finds ample reason for optimism among vendors and partners alike. Here are five positive trends happening in the channel this year....
As an industry, we need to freely share new facts and stop clinging to accepted truths....
According to the 2112 Channel Chief Outlook report, the majority of channel chiefs are planning to expand the number of channel partners in their programs. They’ll likely hang on to underperforming partners too....
Vendors shouldn’t presume they must work with channel partners; they need to define why they need partners and why partners need them. These six questions can shape channel necessity and strategy....
The U.S. had 6 million unfilled tech jobs last year, many of them among IT resellers and service providers. Competition between vendors and partners makes filling those jobs more difficult....