Channel wins as vendors turn to the web

Vendors are increasingly turning to the indirect channel to sell over the web, according to IDC.

Vendors are increasingly turning to the indirect channel to sell over the web, according to IDC.

The analyst predicted massive growth in online IT sales, with a significant share for the indirect channel. It estimated that the average vendor's direct online sales will decline by 34 per cent and will be overtaken by its indirect online channel by 2003.

Figures show that in 2001, 1.7 per cent, or £3.2bn worth, of IT sales will be conducted online, but IDC expect this to increase to 15.9 per cent, or £43.4bn, by 2004.

IDC believed that within four years, 30 per cent of web sales will go through internet service providers, application service providers and e-marketplaces. Growth in these online channels will increase business for resellers on the internet.

Luke Ruskino, European business development manager at e-marketplace developer Best3C, said: "Much depends on a vendor's size, but I don't see why small to medium sized vendors shouldn't use outsourced internet marketplaces."

First published in Computer Reseller News