THE finalists for this year’s Channel Network Awards have been announced, and the quality of entrants, say the judges, has been exceptional.

“Entries this year were up by more than 30 per cent and the quality of the entries was exceptional,’ explains John Chapman, entries and judging organiser. “The judges had a tough time selecting the finalists from so many excellent entries. It never ceases to amaze me how innovative and diligent the channel is when providing solutions for its clients.

“What became evident in all the solution categories was the move from providing solutions based around technology infrastructure to solutions integrated into business process. This was reflected both in the number of resellers providing consultancy services as part of the solution process and the real business benefits that their clients were gaining from the solution.�

He continues: “Entries in the supplier categories more than doubled this year and reflected the changing relationship between suppliers and the channel. In particular the role of distributor seems to be changing dramatically. The submissions by their channel partners emphasised a much more market making approach to the way they work with those partners. Distributors are now helping partners build their business providing training, marketing support and technical support services at a level not seen for about 20 years.

“Service providers and hardware and software vendors are also showing a willingness to get involved at the sharp end with really innovative and pro-active support at all levels of the sales cycle.

“The Channel Network Awards is truly a window to the excellence of the UK channel.�

The lineup of finalists for this year’s Channel Network Awards:

Reseller Categories

SME IT Solution
ANS Group plc
Keystone Computer Group Ltd
Telindus
The PC Support Group
SME Converged Solution
Charterhouse Voice and Data
Future Voice and Data Ltd
GP Network Solutions Limited (GPNS)
IP Solutions
SME Vertical Market Solution
Charterhouse Voice and Data
Echo Communications Ltd
Future Voice and Data Ltd
Ipitomi
Enterprise IT Solution
Blue Chip
Connect Communications
Keystone Computer Group Ltd
Unified Group
Enterprise Converged Solution
Central Telecom UK Ltd
Centrix Limited
ntl:Telewest Business
Telindus
Enterprise Vertical Market Solution
Anglia Business Solutions Ltd
Central Telecom UK Ltd
Centrix Limited
SpiriTel Plc
Unified Communications Solution
5i Ltd.
Charterhouse Voice and Data
Eurodata Systems plc
Excell Group
Mobility Solution
Alternative Networks
Anglia Business Solutions Ltd
Comtact Ltd
Quantix
Data Management Solution
Fifthwave Solutions
ANS Group plc
Data Centre Solution
Esteem Systems
Excell Group
Fordway Solutions Limited
Managed Service Solution
Esteem Systems
Excell
Quantix
Software Box Limited
Innovative New Application Solution
Anglia Business Solutions Ltd
ANS Group plc
ICT Networks Limited
Teneo

Supplier Categories

Distributor Channel Programme
Computerlinks
Comstor
Mayflex Ltd
Sphinx
Westcon Convergence
Wick Hill Ltd
ZYCKO LTD
Service Provider Channel Programme
EntaNet International Ltd
Inclarity
O2
Voicenet Solutions
VoIP Unlimited
Vendor Channel Programme
EMC
Extreme Networks
Marathon Technologies
Motorola Enterprise Mobility business
Progress Software
ShoreTel