Cisco Systems' big SMB push seems to be paying off. The company devoted much of 2007 to revamping its Integrated Services Routers and launched a new Select certification for channel partners that cater to the SMB market. Both solution providers and customers seemed to notice.

Cisco's Linksys division also continued its reign among the Channel Best Sellers, wooing solution providers on the strength of its business router portfolio and its channel ties. Austin Smith, president of Digital Son, I.T. Services, a VAR in Lawrenceville, Ga., said Linksys is his brand of choice for small-business customers. "I prefer Linksys. I like to be flexible and their products [let me do that]," Smith said.