Test Center Updates Methodology

With that in mind, the CRN Test Center set out to revamp the process used to grade and judge products. With this change, Test Center engineers will be able to focus more deeply on how a vendor's channel policies affect a solution provider's bottom line. Test Center engineers also will delve deeper into how a product affects a solution provider's deployment and support capabilities as well as its affect on revenue and profit.

Although the methodology will change, the Test Center will still use the familiar star count rating and "Recommended" logo. "Recommended" products are endorsed by the Test Center as a viable business opportunity and must earn an overall score of at least eight out of 10 stars, calculated by combining the channel and technical ratings.

On the channel side of the grading, additional metrics such as company age and inside sales capabilities have been added to assess a vendor's viability. The Test Center will continue to look at both what the vendor does to assist its partners on the road to success and what commitments a solution provider needs to make to become a partner.

On the technical side, the product's suitability to task will play a larger role, where essential elements such as support and documentation will be factored into the overall grade.

Both the channel and technical judging processes will consider ongoing revenue opportunities and the ability of a solution provider to build long-term customer relationships. Test Center engineers also will explore a product's ability to create additional integration opportunities. These metrics make the CRN Test Center the only testing facility of its kind dedicated to reviewing products and technologies from the prospective of solution providers in the channel.

In a nutshell, the Test Center's goal is to clearly identify what products create revenue opportunities for solution providers and have the technical goods to back up your sales pitch. Starting with the Aug. 1 issue of CRN, Test Center reviews will appear based on the new methodology.

More information can be found on the Test Center section of crn.com. And while you're there, sign up for the CRN Test Center newsletter. Be the first to know about the latest innovations and technical news for the channel.

Let me know what you think of this new methodology. Contact me via e-mail at [email protected].