In the roughly 10 years since Research In Motion (RIM) debuted its first device, the BlackBerry name has been synonymous with mobility. From the 950 Pager to the upcoming BlackBerry Bold smart phone, BlackBerry has continued to evolve, ultimately becoming the gold standard for mobile email. Here we take a look back at where BlackBerry began and a look to where its heading.
With more vulnerabilities and the rash viruses and other malware targeting mobile phones such as Apple's 3G iPhone, security products protecting these devices are becoming a necessity, not a luxury. Here are a few of the latest security products for mobile devices out on the market.
The Apple CEO's premature obituary last week wasn't the first time someone famous got knocked off by the media before their time. ChannelWeb looks at some notable celebrity death mistakes, hoaxes and frauds down the ages.
Inside This Issue: Feb. 12, 2007
Cover Story: 2007 CRN Channel Chiefs
VARs To Vendors: Stand By Me
Solution providers warn that IT vendors need to put more weight and status behind the post of channel chief or they risk falling behind in the sometimes bloody race for market share. Too often, they say, the channel chief job is seen as a highly visible yet short-term stop by vendor executives looking to punch their ticket as they climb the corporate ladder.
More Channel Chiefs Stories:
6 Channel Execs You Should Know
Some channel executives really know how to push innovation at their companies. Here are some who made real breakthroughs last year.
Who's Who In The Channel: The List
Here's CRN's full list of vendor channel executives who can help make your solutions happen.
Channel Chiefs List, By Category
Find vendor channel chiefs with a global reach and by their company's tech sector.
Slide Show: New & Noteworthy Channel Execs
Some emerging vendors are proving they're dedicated to VARs and innovative in their channel programs. CRN turns the spotlight on six channel chiefs.
Also In This Issue:
Tech Focus: Can Vista Make The Big Screen?
Microsoft Windows Vista is ringing in a new era of graphics, productivity and security capabilities -- not to mention hardware requirements -- but will the next generation of wide-screen displays be ready?
Review: Sony Optical Drive Delivers
Sony's DRU-830A internal DVD/CD burner is based on the company's latest optical storage technology and supports double- and dual-layer DVD formats. The CRN Test Center sees whether it's up to snuff.
ShadowRAM: Rumors, Truth & Innuendo
Kevin Rollins gone from Dell (or is he?), flu bug bites Ellison, Coviello's Q&A quip, VAR passes up Super Bowl.
These articles were mentioned in this issue of CRN.
• 2007 CRN Channel Chiefs: The Full List
• RSA Buys Encryption Vendor
• Caritor To Acquire Keane In $854 Million Deal
• Nortel To Cut 2,900 Jobs In Latest Cost-Cutting Move
• A Best Buy For Lenovo
• Partners Praise Tripwire Update
• VMware Rolls Out VirtualCenter SMB Bundle
• Xerox CEO Eyes Aggressive Channel Expansion
• Gates Touts IPv6
• Business Objects Drives Into Midmarket
• HDS Acquires Data Archiving Company
COLUMNISTS
Steven Burke:
Robert Faletra:
Larry Hooper:
Heather Clancy:
Real Values
Channel Advocacy Good For Business
We seem to be in a cycle where more high-tech CEOs "get" the channel, although whether that interest will extend beyond the next financial bonus cycle remains to be seen.
The Final Cut
HP Vs. Cisco's Network
Cisco should be concerned. HP's ProCurve unit has doubled its sales over the past three years and has a dedicated partner force of 4,500 resellers.
On The Record
XChange Shows What VARs Worldwide Share
I just got back from the CMP Channel Group's first XChange Eastern Europe event, and there are lots of similarities between what IT channel players in Eastern Europe and America face.
Under The Radar
What's Right For You?
On the new ChannelWeb.com, which is coming your way next month, we have organized our content based on how solution providers go to market.
