Channel Financial Performance To Be Subject Of Web Discussion

John Roberts, Computer Reseller News director of editorial research, will highlight results of the 1998 CRN Reseller Financial Operating Performance Survey during a Feb. 23 Internet broadcast.

The Webcast will be conducted at www.crn.com on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. EST. Roberts will discuss CRN's exclusive comprehensive analysis of VAR financial performance based on income-statement and balance-sheet data provided by VARs themselves. "VARs can use this report to gauge the financial health of their business and judge their financial performance against peers and competitors," said Roberts.

Topics covered in the survey and to be addressed in the broadcast include profitability, financial management, personnel management and accounts receivable. Key findings show that while VAR profitability increased over the past two years, growth of gross margins is slowing and salary costs are soaring, threatening future profitability gains. Solution providers are responding by making profit-rich services a larger part of their business models.

T.C. Doyle, senior industry analyst at CMP Media Inc.'s Channel Information Services, will join the broadcast to discuss how improving financial performance, including control of costs and inventories, fits into the concept of reseller "best practices."

The complete 85-page report is available from CRN at a nominal charge. Interested parties should contact John Roberts via E-mail at jorobert@cmp.com.