Evolving IT Channel Relationships the Focus of New Power Panel Session at CompTIA Breakaway 2011

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Executives from four top distributors of information technology (IT) products and solutions will share their perspectives on how the IT channel is changing to keep pace with current and future business conditions during a new session added to the program at CompTIA Breakaway 2011, the premier event for the IT channel.

CompTIA, the non-profit association for the IT industry, today announced the addition of a Distributor Power Panel at Breakaway 2011. The annual conference is scheduled for Aug. 1-4 in Washington, D.C.

The new panel, "The Partner-Distributor Relationship: Moving Beyond Just Financing and Operations (Powered by Business Solutions)", is set for 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

"By some estimates three-quarters of IT sales are sold either directly through or influenced by the channel," said Kelly Ricker, vice president, education and events, CompTIA.

"Vendors have relied on distributors as an essential conduit on the route to market, while service and solution providers have historically looked to IT distributors for credit and operational support to run their businesses," Ricker continued. "But like many aspects of the IT industry, the distributor's role in the channel and its relationship with partners is evolving. We've assembled a top-notch panel to explore how this landscape is shifting and what it means for IT channel companies."

Scheduled to participate in the distributor power panel are Kirk Robinson, vice president and general manager, Commercial Markets Division, Ingram Micro Inc.; Greg Dixon, chief technology officer, ScanSource, Inc.; Bob Stegner, senior vice president, marketing, North America, SYNNEX Corporation; and Joseph Quaglia, senior vice president, Tech Data Corporation.

Gennifer Biggs, network security, storage and managed services editor for Business Solutions, a respected IT industry publication, will moderate the panel.

Among the topics to be discussed during the panel:

• New and unique offerings distributors are developing to add value for solution providers.
• Best practices for a successful relationship with distributors.
• What solution providers can do to make themselves more visible to their distributors.

More than 1,100 IT channel leaders – including some 350 solution providers – are expected at Breakaway 2011. Conference registration is free for CompTIA members and just $250 for non-members. A special Breakaway hotel room rate of just $139 a night is available through July 11 from the Washington Hilton. Visit Breakaway Hotel & Travel for more information.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry. CompTIA's vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.  

SOURCE CompTIA