They're Channel-Strong

It was time for some new math. Our annual ranking of the top VARs in North America needed a revamped methodology for it to be a more timely and truly representative list.

So, first, we took out the vendor services arms, except for stand-alone units such as HP’s EDS and IBM Global Services. Second, we eliminated government contractors where systems integration was not a core part of their audience. And third, we removed office product companies and e-tailers where services revenue wasn’t distinguishable.

The good news is that with subtraction comes addition: Many companies moved up in the ranking this year; we also have more than 200 new companies joining the list.

At a VAR500 event in Jacksonville, Fla., last week, we honored the standouts in a range of categories. Awards were given out for top technology and vertical practices, best partnership, business transformation, executive of the year and, for the first time, community service. Go to www.crn.com for scenes from the ceremony and to see which solution provider won in a particular category.