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Technology Is Shaping the Channel, CompTIA Reports

 
 
By Gina Roos
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Digital transformation, cloud computing, mobility and the internet of things (IoT) are some of the drivers behind the 4.1 percent growth rate projected for the global IT industry in 2017, according to CompTIA's "IT Industry Outlook 2017." For the channel, this means a shift away from product resellers to service providers specializing in vertical industries or solution niches. The report, which surveyed 530 industry executives, also found that as the number of cloud companies and services grows, one of the biggest opportunities for channel partners is cloud management. The channel, particularly managed service providers, will find ways to provide value to small and midsize businesses that need help with cloud solutions, the report stated. A big change ahead involves retooling partner programs to align with the industry's shift to a more consultative and services-based market. Despite these changes, there is still a place in the SMB market for traditional solution providers to sell on-premises equipment and software, CompTIA added. Following are 10 key report findings for the channel.

 
This article was originally published on 2017-03-27
 
 
 
 
 
Gina Roos is a business and technology writer who has contributed print and Web articles to leading electronic industry publications. She was Editor-in-Chief at Electronics Sourcing North America, and served as Site Editor for UBM's Green SupplyLine and Electronics Supply & Manufacturing Websites. She also authored the "In the Channel" column, covering the electronics distribution industry for EETimes ProductWeek. Gina was the founder and editor of Electronics Advocate, an online magazine covering design and supply chain issues in the electronics industry. The publication was sold to MMG Publishing UK in 2010. Gina has a degree in journalism.