Technology Is Shaping the Channel, CompTIA Reports
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Technology Is Shaping the Channel, CompTIA Reports
CompTIA's report predicts that the channel will shift away from product resellers to service providers specializing in vertical industries or solution niches. -
Modest Growth
The global IT industry is forecast to grow 4.1% in 2017, according to CompTIA. -
IT Spend
Hardware, software and services accounted for 59% of the global total IT spend in 2016, while telecom services accounted for the remaining 41%, according to IDC. -
Technology's Roles
Enable business processes: 43%, Drive business outcomes: 39%, Play a critical role in strategy: 36%, Redefine the business: 34% -
Impact of Emerging Technologies
21% of the respondents said emerging technologies will have a significant impact on their bottom line in 2017, while 40% said it will have a modest impact, and 21% expect it to have a minor impact. -
Digital Transformation
73% of the industry executives surveyed are extremely or highly confident in applying technology to meet business goals. -
Security Upside
43% of the respondents said security has the potential to outperform in 2017. -
Sizing the Channel
Industry estimates indicate that about two-thirds of IT products flow through or are influenced by the indirect sales channel. -
Channel Optimism
63% of the industry executives surveyed are generally optimistic about the channel's prospects for the next two years. -
Mixed Messages
39% of channel firms said the opportunity in cloud computing is the top reason to be optimistic about the channel's future. But 30% said it's the top reason to be pessimistic. -
Requirements for an Optimistic Channel Future
Availability of skilled IT workers. More training (business and technical). More widely available and valuable certifications. Younger people embracing the channel as a career.
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Why Metrics Matter to the Channel 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.