ChannelWeb's top five most read

A rundown of last week's most-read stories

1) Channel speculation Surfaces ahead of Friday's launch

Microsoft partners want a piece of the action but are still unclear about the tablet's future route to market

2) Barracuda kicks off distribution review

Security vendor running rule over Avnet, Wick Hill and e92plus as it looks to enter 2013 in high-growth mode

3) Avnet seals another VAR buyout with BrightStar Partners deal

IBM business analytics firm becomes second reseller taken over by Avnet this year

4) 'Disappointing setback' for Avnet as EMEA sales still sag

Fifth consecutive quarter of decline in regional revenue as distribution giant files muted Q1 numbers

5) Onlookers predict muted enteprise uptake of Windows 8

Channel players question whether Microsoft has overlooked the business market in its quest to reconnect with consumers