Piracy does channel bad

Independent analyst IDC has conducted a study claiming that channel partners potentially could gain an additional $5.50 for every $1 Microsoft makes from eliminating pirated software, says Computerworld.

Value-added resellers and independent software vendors would accrue increased revenues from shorter sales cycles for add-on software and faster delivery of technical services, as well as lower costs for delivering service to legitimately licensed software.

The study was co-sponsored by Microsoft and the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners.

Hosted by Distree Events, an organiser of ICT events in the EMEA region, the region's first vendor-neutral channel awards for the entire theatre will take place in Monte Carlo on 11 February 2009, says AME Info.

There are eight awards available for vendors on the night with distributors voting live for their preferred candidate from a list of nominees.

In addition, there will be ten awards for distributors and two channel executives who will be inducted into the EMEA Channel Academy Awards Hall of Fame.

CA has released a worldwide customised channel partner programme that is dedicated to its global Internet Security Business Unit (ISBU) and focuses on the company's anti-malware product portfolio, says eChannelLine.

Resellers that deal with SMEs and large companies are welcome to join, George Kafkarkou, senior vice-president and general manager of the ISBU said.

All that is required to become a member is to apply via the partner portal. Once approved, the partner gets a password and user ID to the programme's portal. The partner can then invite people in their organisation to the programme without them needing to get their own user name and password.