XChange Solution Provider Still a World-Class Channel Event
XChange Solution Provider 2012 may have come and gone.
But it has once again proved to be one of the world's leading channel events for IT solution providers.
Networking and Discussion
XChange Solution Provider 2012 ran from March 4th to 6th at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles. Over 200 IT solution providers joined with prominent and rising vendors to network and discuss themes such as:
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Changing patterns of customer buying behavior
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The need to help customers innovate and cut costs
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Solution provider business models
XChange Solution Provider 2012 Agenda
Agenda topics at XChange Solution Provider 2012 were practical and in-depth. They included:
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Leave Technology to VARs. Larry Bonfante, CIO of the U.S. Tennis Association, said CIOs should focus on being business leaders and leave technology to VAR professionals.
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The Top MSPs are Far More Profitable. The CEO of Service Leadership Inc., Paul Dippell, spoke about his research into MSPs' profits. The top 25% have three times the profits compared to median MSPs. He also said IT solution providers make more money when they offer managed services rather than products.
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Recurring Revenue Model Brings Success for VARs. UBM Channel CEO Robert Faletra said VARs are using a blend of off-premise and on-premise solutions to create recurring revenue. The old days of VARs finding a solution, receiving their money, and moving on to the next job are fast receding.
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Microsoft Brings Back Subsidy Program. Cindy Bates, a Microsoft vice president, announced the return of a partner incentive program. The program gives subsidies to customers for certain purchases. The customers use the subsidies to buy extra software and services from IT solution providers.
With pragmatic topics like the aforementioned, it's no surprise XChange Solution Provider 2012 was a success. The event gave IT solution providers and VARs a chance to review the best way forward for their businesses.
Did you attend XChange Solution Provider 2012? If so, please share your comments below.
And to learn more about other events that are of particular interest to small business VARs and MSPs, download your copy of the free quick reference guide to the Top 7 Computer Consulting Conferences and Trade Shows for Building Great Relationships and Forming Strategic Partnerships.
Creative Commons Image Source: flickr stevelyon