Subj : Channel partners are becoming more important than ever for SMBs
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Fri Jun 28 2024 10:00:06

Channel partners are becoming more important than ever for SMBs

Date:
Fri, 28 Jun 2024 08:47:38 +0000

Description:
SMBs are relying more on channel partners for advisory services as tech 
resellers look to tap into more profit.

FULL STORY
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New research has revealed channel partners are evolving from a one-and-done, 
buy-and-install approach to becoming strategic advisors for SMBs, which could 
be beneficial to both parties. 

According to a report from Sage, SMBs can expect enhanced digital agility 
from the transition which can help their competitiveness, while technology 
resellers are promised the prospect of substantial growth avenues. 

The figures now indicate more than half (55%) of technology resellers are 
focusing on offering strategic advice and services rather than solely acting 
as providers of technology solutions. SMBs are getting even more out of their 
channel partners 

Driving the change, three-quarters (73%) of technology resellers say that 
SMBs consider investing in digital agility as a high priority, with one in 
three (29%) seeing it as a way to drive business growth and one-quarter each 
as a way to enhance competitiveness (24%) and increase efficiency (23%). 

Moreover, only half (54%) of SMBs are recognized as fairly digitally agile by 
channel leaders, highlighting the scope for growth. 

Sage VP for Global Partner Marketing, Sippora Veen, commented: With the 
adoption of advanced technologies like AI, and a commitment to building 
skills, we are better positioned to help SMBs face challenges and thrive in 
the digital era. This collaboration is essential for fostering innovation and 
mutual growth. 

In terms of focus areas, three in five (58%) channel leaders consider AI and 
automation to be crucial for fostering digital agility, with 57% noting the 
importance of cyber security solutions and 47% highlighting cloud/SaaS 
applications. 

Despite the clear benefits of offering advisory services, channel companies 
continue to face challenges from finding the right employees with the desired 
skillsets (35%) to a limited understanding of AI technology (44%). 

On the whole, both SMBs and technology resellers are presented with 
opportunities for business growth as channel companies begin to offer more 
services, but without the right resources, others risk being left behind. 
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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/channel-partners-are-becoming-more-important-tha
n-ever-for-smbs


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