Are You Registered for GTDC Vendor Summit 2010?
Sept. 21-22 • Fairmont Hotel • Newport Beach, Calif.

If you’re a vendor channel exec, you need to be at GTDC Vendor Summit 2010 along with the CEOs and other leaders from today’s leading IT distributors!

The industry looks to be at a turning point, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity to plan for the future. Has the recent wave of business growth been more of a refresh cycle, or is it sustainable throughout the remainder of this year and into 2011?

Either way, Summit 2010 gives you the informed perspective you need – and the best practices insight that will help your channel business be the best it can be under any market demand conditions. We have the most informative and impactful sessions ever planned for this popular event that brings together the brightest and best minds in the industry.

Check out the full agenda and related video, or go straight to the simple registration page. We look forward to seeing you at GTDC Vendor Summit 2010!

Going Beyond Global Talk
By Tim Curran, GTDC CEO

The discussions have gone on for years – and not gone very far on some fronts.

If you’ve been in the business awhile, you’re probably aware that industry partnerships (and internal operations) don’t always cross international borders with ease. There’s probably some territorialism going on; people in one country “owning” the operation (and sales goals). Ditto that for the company on the other side. We can also point to all the complications associated with importing and exporting. Governments certainly play a large role in that regard. And we can cite numerous other reasons for not achieving more global industry relations, relationships and standards. But this isn’t a sob story.

We’re in the midst of unknown terrain – and opportunity. We’ve seen how interrelated financial markets are around the world (which may be an argument for less-connected interests), but the reality is we cannot avoid being more globally interdependent. It’s just a fact that’s more validated than ever today. Our U.S. and European industry research findings reveal the correlations.

Consider how worldwide product development is nowadays. Companies of all sizes are engaging in new ways and with international mindsets. That framework is certainly supported by distributors and vendors – more so every day. Do you think it’s far enough along? Chances are processes, goals and engagement don’t always align as well as possible when our activities become more cross border. Whether doing business exclusively in one country or region, or if you’re touching every corner of the earth, it’s a good time to think and act more globally.

Plenty of examples of excellent progress – and processes – already show how we are effectively transcending political and operational lines. Think of all the great global powerhouses in our industry, but no one has a “lock” on international leadership. You may even find that some companies that operate everywhere can fall short. Just being global doesn’t make you the best at it.

The GTDC is also focused on helping pave the way for a truly more global industry foundation. Our international membership has doubled over the past couple of years, along with our activities and events in multiple regions. Our upcoming GTDC Vendor Summit this year also has increased international context and attendees that you won’t want to miss. Register now if you haven’t already!

The bottom line is that we can – and should – do more to turn global business dialog into tangible actions. We know the handwriting is on the wall. Sure, the languages and other potential obstacles can make it hard to “read,” interpret and move forward in the most ideal strategic directions. That global dimension to our industry, however, may be the ultimate difference maker to all. The companies that “get it” and get it best may just get the most riches. Think of today’s parallels, and perils, that relate to global supply chain management. Whenever one part of the manufacturing world breaks down, there are surely repercussions in another.

In short, it’s easy to see and say, “We’re all in this together.” It’s a much different matter to actualize.
How are you rolling up your international sleeves? Do you envision new ways the overall industry can improve on a global scale? Let me know if you think the GTDC can help.

Do Disties Really Generate Demand?
The myth still exists in some circles that IT distributors simply fulfill demand. A comprehensive new GTDC report puts that misconception to rest.

This IT Distribution in Action report, independently developed on behalf of the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC), features seven case studies showing how distributor marketing activities correlate to a Channel Development and Demand Generation Continuum.

Access the full report
See intro video on YouTube

GTDC Hits the Mark on Both Sides of ‘the Pond’
Attendees dive into industry’s sea changes at European vendor conference in Amsterdam and
investor event in NYC

The GTDC’s annual European Conference and Investor Relations Conference both generated record attendance and high overall marks from attendees.

Here’s a recap of each event:

Annual European Conference
Each year, the GTDC brings together the senior management of Europe's leading IT distributors with the region's top vendor channel executives to focus on issues and opportunities of vital strategic importance. This year's GTDC Annual European Conference, June 15-16, at the Amsterdam Radisson Blu, drew more than 100 attendees, representing 31 vendors and 19 distribution companies, which included presidents as well as CEOs of GTDC members. Learn more.

Investor Relations Conference
The 2010 GTDC Investor Relations Conference, May 5 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, provided unique global insight on IT industry market conditions and business drivers – as well as timely updated perspective on the many reasons to invest in technology distributors. Dozens of Wall Street attendees packed the rooms for informative panels, presentations and plenty of networking opportunities that made the 2010 IRC our most successful ever. Distributor CFOs joined us this year along with presidents and CEOs from these market leaders on the technology front lines. Learn more.

Industry News
Get up to speed on IT distribution industry developments with this roundup of recent articles based on GTDC press communications.

GTDC: Partner Code of Conduct Focuses On Integrity (CRN U.S.)
Distribution Proves Its Value (Global TechBlog)
GTDC Report Notes Role of Cloud Computing in IT Recovery (Cloud Computing Journal)
GTDC Says IT Recovery Looking Good (The VAR Guy)
GTDC: Distribution is leading IT sector recovery (CRN UK)
Channel Marker: GTDC / Despite broader economic jitters, IT sector continues to improve (Tech Target)
Distie’s Budapest Event Signals Renewed Optimism in the Channel (PCR)
Distributor CEOs Agree: Emerging Technology Sweet Spot for VARs (WaveLength Market Analytics)
GTDC: IT Sales Through Distribution Surpass Pre-Recession Peak (CRN U.S.)
IT Sales Through Distribution Climb Above Pre-Recession Levels In U.S. (IT Channel Planet)
Electronics distribution executives reveal supply chain insight (Venture Outsource)
Citi Major Takeaways from Global Technology Distribution Council (StreetInsider.com)
This Is Clear: Distribution CEOs See Cloudy Future Too (ChannelWeb)