Times they are a-changing

Unbelievably, it is time to launch the Channel Awards 2010

Yirrell: Seeking comment on the new Awards format, criteria, and judging

For those yet to read the Channel Awards 2010 launch article, I will endeavour to explain some of the many changes we have introduced this year.

After consultation with a number of channel players from vendor, distributor and reseller sectors, it was agreed that the voting system was not only tired, but surprisingly unpopular.

As a result, we have scrapped the voting, replacing it with a two-stage judging process, using two different judging panels.

Also the big three awards - Reseller, Distributor, and Vendor of the Year - will now require firms to submit an entry, and the shortlisted entries will have to present their case to the second judging panel.

The awards criteria have also had a complete facelift, and hopefully will be a lot easier to understand and adhere to for those entering the Awards this year.

We also have a shiny, new-look trophy, and there will be no entry extensions this year -- just a longer deadline.

The changes are all about bringing the value back into the Awards and ensuring we are always ahead of the game.

I welcome your feedback on this.

Sara Yirrell is editor at CRN . Contact her.