Lots of big-name channel executives left their posts over the course of 2008. ChannelWeb looks back at some of the notable departures.
We looked at hundreds of products in 2008, but only a select few can be the best. Here are the ones that made the biggest impression -- and will help you impress your customers.
There were plenty of high-powered movers and shakers that made a big impact on the channel in 2008. Here's a look at who made our list of the 25 most influential.
Inside This Issue: December 2008
State Of The Market 2009: 10 Things To Know
The VARBusiness State of the Market industrywide survey put all ends of the channel under a microscope. In tough times and an economy in recession, the toughest VARs are doing what they always do: getting aggressive.
Netbook Heroes
Industry observers have been predicting a surge in desktop Linux adoption for years, but over time, those claims have taken on a decidedly "wait 'til next year" type of feel. But the growing popularity of netbooks, a significant number of which are shipping with Linux, could serve as a long-awaited catalyst for Linux on the desktop.
12 Recommended Displays From 2008
The Test Center highlights some of the more noteworthy monitor displays to come through the lab so far this year. Here's our list of recommended displays from 2008.
Start-Up Palo Alto Attracts Backers With Fresh Approach
Palo Alto Networks is one company that's taking buzz to the bank. Despite the tough economy, the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based security start-up expanded its latest round of financing, adding $10 million in venture funding and bringing its total haul to $64 million.
It's Not Business As Usual
We have often said that you will not find much in the way of revolutionary findings in our State of the Market study, but what you will find is the evolution of the VAR model. The most fascinating part of the study is examining just how adaptable solution providers are to market conditions today and the adjustments they make to their business models based on customer behavior and their attempts to drive profitability higher. But this year we have an exception, maybe a whole bunch of exceptions based on VARs adapting their business models to the deteriorating economic conditions.
The Wolf's At The Door
Regulatory compliance is becoming trickier--and so are the hackers. 2009 will see continued attacks against SQL Server and Oracle databases, network routers, e-mail accounts and even root directories. While threats like the Storm Bot seem to have vanished from the map, others like smarter network port scans and password-guessing software are becoming more sophisticated.
Catching Up With Watson
Despite the current storm clouds gathered over the economy, Allison Watson, corporate vice president of Microsoft Corp.'s Worldwide Partner Group, says there's plenty of opportunities for VARs to grow, as long as they stay focused on projects that improve energy efficiency, boost productivity and drive down costs.
Stability Within Reach
As the economy continues its roller-coaster ride, traditional verticals such as accounting and manufacturing are taking a beating. One area that's holding its own is that of state and local government. Budgets for 2009 have long been set, providing some stability for VARs in that sector. Heading into 2010, necessary capital projects are moving ahead. The government's purse strings may be tightening, but they are not shut. David Kriegman, president of TechTeam Government Solutions Inc., Chantilly, Va. (VARBusiness 500 No. 162), the federal contracting arm of TechTeam Global, discusses how his company is taking its expertise in commercial solutions and parlaying it with success in the government arena.
 | PREVIOUS VARBusiness ISSUE | |
