While Microsoft's solution provider partners aren't overly concerned, many feel that distributors could be cut out of the loop by the Microsoft Store, an online storefront for U.S. customers that launched in November, through which Microsoft is selling both consumer- and business-focused products.
Distributors don't seem overly concerned, but in the current economy, any move that alters the status quo in the channel bears watching. As Microsoft encourages its partners into a more solutions-based approach, some VARs wonder if the role of distributors could be diminished.
