Where did the years go?

I recently celebrated 15 years at CRN and I can't believe what has changed

The truth is, I never intended to stay for more than two years. But here I am 15 years later, still at CRN and still amazed at the continuous change in the industry.

I really can say that no year has ever been the same in all that time.

When I first arrived at CRN we broke news in print each week, and if someone remembered, the news was put online once the print issue had gone out. The concept of breaking continuous news online just wasn't on the radar. And I remember when that shift happened and the furore it caused with all the die-hard print journalists!

Also the industry itself was probably about twice the size it is now, and I was there to witness the rapid consolidation that is still happening today - probably more noticeable in the distribution and vendor space.

But in turn, one of the biggest shifts has actually been in the reseller space: when I started on CRN, the majority of firms were proud to be box shifters, as there was massive margin in hardware, and the idea of services was a pipe dream to many or at best some sort of break-fix service bolted on where needed.

Comparing how things are to now, it really is a complete sea-change and it is still happening - I certainly don't think it is over yet. And you have the interesting scenario of distributors becoming more service led, and vendors still battling over that indirect/direct argument.

The positive thing today though is that most of the vendors really do appreciate their channel, and at the very least understand the value that their partners bring to the mix. Of course there are still some exceptions, but I will not name them now. I'm sure you know who they are.

As I started writing this, the news broke that Kelway had been bought in its entirety by CDW - and this is a prime example of how fast the industry is moving. They will now be part of a multi-national giant and a truly global player. I'm sure a few more will go the same way in time.

Anyone remember that old saying - Get big, get niche or get out? It seems like it is still relevant all these years later!

In other news the site we licensed last year from the 2112 Group - Channelnomics.com - is five years old today, so it really is a time of celebration.

I'm looking forward to many more positive things to come. Who knows what will happen in the next 15 years?