Winds of change in the channel

How do you see the channel changing in the future? Is it doomed in its current form?

For many years industry commentators have said the channel cannot continue in its current form, and that more people will look to cut out the middle man.

But the channel has survived for more than 25 years so far and counting.

That is not to say it hasn't changed - consolidation has caused the number of players in the market to shrink rapidly, and the emphasis is firmly on a value added, rather than volume model.

But with the advent of offerings such as software-as-a-service, and with vendors looking to squeeze as much margin out of the chain for their own personal gain, will the channel be able to survive this latest challenge? Or is it doomed to fail?

Question two of The Channel Debate should hopefully prompt some detailed discussions.

What do you think? Do you agree that the channel is doomed as it is? Will it have to change dramatically? Or will it continue unchanged for years to come? What do you think needs to change, if anything?

All views are very welcome. Just leave your thoughts in the comment box below this story, and remember to leave your name, job title and company name as well. Thanks for taking part.

No email addresses will be printed on the site.