Top five vendors in CRN's last Vendor Report revealed
Did Microsoft, HP or Cisco make the top five? CRN finally lifts lid on rankings as we embark on research for 2021 edition
The results of CRN's 2019 Vendor Report were a closely guarded secret.
But now as we embark on research for the 2021 edition, we can - for the first time - publicly reveal which vendors achieved the highest scores last time around.
If you are a reseller, MSP or other front-line channel partner*, you can obtain a free Executive Summary of the 2021 Vendor Report simply by taking part in the ANONYMOUS survey.
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE
This will give you valuable insight into how both your vendors and their competitors are performing in the channel.
The first 200 qualified** respondents will also recieve £10 in Amazon vouchers.
All you have to do is rate up to five of your core vendors.
With all responses COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS, this is a rare chance for you to give your vendors both barrels without fear of recrimination.
Top five revealed
This year's survey mirrors the 2019 edition, when nearly 300 respondents scored up to five vendors from 0 to 10 across four core services categories (and from 0-100 on three additional indices). We also invited them to give candid (but anonymous!) written feedback.
Scores on the four core services categories were then combined to form an overall ‘core services' average.
Here we count down the top five from that report, the research for which took place between April and August 2019.
Did any of your vendor allies finish in the top five? The power lies in your hands to determine this year's rankings. Join the research here to receive your £10 vouchers and Exec Summary. ***
5) Barracuda Networks
In a barnstorming performance, Barracuda Networks ranked fifth overall and finished in the top 10 in all but one of the seven categories and indices.
With a couple of exceptions, partners were sold on the email security specialist's affordable and easy-to-use technology vision and found it easy to deal with. Some respondents felt Barracuda has room to step up regarding its training and accreditation regime.
"Pricing is good, reseller engagement and support is outstanding, and [it has a] solid product roadmap with products that clients want to buy," said the CTO of one mid-sized partner.
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* Respondents must work for front-line channel partners, eg resellers, VARs, MSPs, SIs, IT solution providers or consultancies. We are not accepting responses from distributors.
** All responses will be carefully verified and checked
*** We will endeavour to dispense vouchers within two weeks
Top five vendors in CRN's last Vendor Report revealed
Did Microsoft, HP or Cisco make the top five? CRN finally lifts lid on rankings as we embark on research for 2021 edition
4) WatchGuard
Star performer WatchGuard ranked fourth overall.
With a couple of notable exceptions, respondents had nothing but good things to say about the SMB network security specialist. Partners variously praised its inexpensive technology, helpful and well-informed staff and generous margins and incentives.
Although one or two felt the Seattle-based vendor could throw more leads its way, WatchGuard was a consistently high performer, ranking 17th in Technology Leadership, seventh in Channel Strategy and Account Management, third for Margins, Leads and Incentives, and fourth for Training and Accreditation.
Have your say in this year's CRN Vendor Report by taking the survey here. All qualified respondents are able to obtain a FREE Executive Summary of the report.
Article continues on next page
Top five vendors in CRN's last Vendor Report revealed
Did Microsoft, HP or Cisco make the top five? CRN finally lifts lid on rankings as we embark on research for 2021 edition
3) ESET
Antivirus vendors tended to fare poorly in the report, with Symantec, Trend Micro, McAfee and Sophos all finishing in the bottom half overall.
ESET emerges as an exception to this rule, ranking third overall and receiving some rave reviews across the board.
Despite topping Margins, Leads and Incentives and ranking in the top six in two other categories, bubbling tensions emerged over its direct sales tactics and a botched partner portal rollout.
"Their products are good, their promises for future development overegged somewhat and their new partner portal has been an utter disaster," said one respondent at a small reseller.
Have your say in this year's CRN Vendor Report by taking the survey here. All qualified respondents are able to obtain a FREE Executive Summary of the report.
Article continues on next page
Top five vendors in CRN's last Vendor Report revealed
Did Microsoft, HP or Cisco make the top five? CRN finally lifts lid on rankings as we embark on research for 2021 edition
2) Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks was the report's most consistent high performer, finishing in the top three in all four core services categories, and second overall.
Respondents from 2019 generally felt that the NYSE-listed vendor had used M&A wisely to bolster its core next-generation firewall business.
While a few questioned its technology and channel credentials, most viewed it as a trusted market leader with decent associated margins.
"[It is] the leader in the security market and continues to add great tech," said one VAR respondent.
Have your say in this year's CRN Vendor Report by taking the survey here. All qualified respondents are able to obtain a FREE Executive Summary of the report.
Article continues on next page
Top five vendors in CRN's last Vendor Report revealed
Did Microsoft, HP or Cisco make the top five? CRN finally lifts lid on rankings as we embark on research for 2021 edition
1) ConnectWise
ConnectWise ranked first overall, in the process nearly pulling off a clean sweep of the four core services categories.
The RMM and PSA specialist outscored all 41 other vendors on four of the seven measures, garnering some glowing written feedback along the way. It was lauded for its "brilliant" technology, "outstanding" training and high levels of engagement with MSPs from senior level down.
Respondents used a range of superlatives to praise its ConnectWise University.
"Access to ConnectWise University means that all staff are trained to a high level and that there is consistency," said one.
Have your say in this year's CRN Vendor Report by taking the survey here. All qualified respondents are able to obtain a FREE Executive Summary of the report.