Under The Radar

July 24, 2009

With the strained economy, business failures, the federal stimulus, massive mergers and some serious turf wars in the IT industry under way, there's lots to talk about in the IT channel. And a lot of that conversation is happening in Channelweb Connect, the community platform we launched on Channelweb back in March. With some 25,000 members already, Channelweb Connect is fast becoming the discussion platform of record in the IT channel landscape.

With the Microsoft partner conference mid-month, it's no surprise that much of the conversation centered on Microsoft, especially Windows 7. Our own Kevin McLaughlin's story, "Microsoft Partners Expect Windows 7 Services Bonanza," generated a storm of conversation both from Microsoft partners and those dyed-in-the-wool Linux fans who are hoping that the next big desktop transition will be the one they have been waiting for.

Channelweb Connect member rblokolud1 took exception to McLaughlin's characterization of Windows XP: "It is inaccurate to say that Windows XP cannot handle modern computing tasks. It is much more accurate to say that Microsoft has intentionally gimped it in order to sell more upgrades."

Another subject that drove a lot of discussion was the failure of Dallas-based solution provider MIS Group, Sage Software's largest partner. The sudden shutdown of a large solution provider got Channelweb Connect members to debate how it could happen. Was it overreliance on one vendor (Sage)? Was it overreliance on one niche (construction)? Was it overreliance on debt? We don't have the answers to the questions, but the conversation along the way is fascinating.

Still, while the conversations are the mainstay, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't point out that Channelweb Connect is more than a discussion board. In the past month, we have introduced new blogs from our own Steven Burke and Ed Moltzen. With daily updates, Burke's "The Real Channel" blog takes a look at the issues the IT channel community faces every day. Moltzen's "Inside Ball" blog focuses on technology, and the business of making it happen for customers.

And there is still more. Channelweb Connect also lets solution providers form groups of their own, open to all, selective or even private. Groups forming now include Women in the Channel and Fast Growth VARs. There's also an active Latin Channels group. What's your group? Browse the groups already there or start your own. Invite your employees, your competitors, your vendors or your peers.

Channelweb Connect also features full social networking capabilities. Upload your photo. Build out your profile with details about your business and your personal interests. And find others in the channel who are like you. Connect with and follow Channelweb Connect members with similar job functions, similar companies or similar hobbies. It's up to you.

BackTalk: Are you ready to connect? Join me and the rest of the IT community at http://community.crn.com