The VARBusiness State of the Market industrywide survey put all ends of the channel under a microscope. In tough times and an economy in recession, the toughest VARs are doing what they always do: getting aggressive.
We looked at hundreds of products in 2008, but only a select few can be the best. Here are the ones that made the biggest impression -- and will help you impress your customers.
There were plenty of high-powered movers and shakers that made a big impact on the channel in 2008. Here's a look at who made our list of the 25 most influential.
A company spokesperson confirmed that Ingram Micro is implementing a four-day "Winter Break" for most employees in its Santa Ana, Calif., and Buffalo, N.Y. offices. Those offices will not close and will stay open to handle customer service and sales calls.
Employees impacted by the Winter Break will use their existing paid time off or vacation days, or they can apply for time off without pay, the spokesperson said.
Ingram Micro is also considering extending the Winter Break concept to the week of July 4, but no final decision has been made, the spokesperson said.
The distributor is also offering a program called "Volunteer Time" to many of its employees.
With Volunteer Time, eligible employees can voluntarily change to work part-time, depending on business requirements and manager approval. They can choose to work as few as 20 hours per week, and those who work at least 32 hours a week will continue to receive many of their full-time benefits. Employees who take this option must sign up for a minimum one-year commitment before their status can be changed or restored, the spokesperson said.
The company's Advanced Logistics Centers, which handle shipping and other services, will not be impacted by the changes.
"We are looking at creative ways to preserve as many jobs as possible," the spokesperson said.
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