Despite pessimism across worldwide financial community and underlying job and consumer confidence concerns, technology investments remain strong, suggests Alex Holmes, Regional Director of Asia Pacific for Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). He also offers his insight on the business environment and technology industry in APJ with host Frank Vitagliano in episode 63 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.     Could a temporary surge in Asian exports with companies front-loading orders to avoid tariffs be influencing the strong numbers?  What place does humility have in economic forecasting? How have export-oriented nations benefited from increased demand and how will tariffs affect their economies in the future?   Holmes addresses those questions and discusses inflation’s impact on Asia Pacific with Frank in this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC. For more information on global market trends, check out the latest articles, research and resources on the GTDC Knowledge Hub.          

Despite significant advances, AI adoption is still in its infancy, and collaboration between systems integrators, VARs, vendors and distributors will play a vital role in advancing these revolutionary solutions. David Tharp, SVP of Ecosystems and Alliances for Dataiku shares his thoughts on this timely topic while highlighting channel opportunities for these technologies with host Frank Vitagliano in episode 62 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.      What will distributors orchestrate and help deploy AI technologies? How critical is collaboration between companies like Dataiku, vendors and major system integrators like Accenture and Deloitte? As the AI market evolves rapidly, how will IT and business professionals learn and adapt to get the most from these solutions?    Get the answers to those questions and more in this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC. For more discussions on AI and other innovations, check out the latest articles, research and resources on the GTDC Knowledge Hub.   

Unlocking growth, access, efficiency and trust for the vendor and provider community should be part of the distribution journey, suggests V.S. Hariharan, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Redington Group. As an IT leader in APJ and META, he believes distributors must provide value beyond boxes, logistics and credit, and provide lot of other things in today’s business environment. Hariharan shares his thoughts on those topics and more with host Frank Vitagliano in episode 61 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.   What role will distributors play in the deployment of AI technologies? Which technologies are gaining traction in META and APJ? How are currency fluctuations, inflation and high interest rates impacting these regions?   This episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC covers those topics, explores some of the strongest technology growth opportunities and points out significant gains in the push for greater sustainability.   

After serving in a channel chief role for several prominent companies over the years, Ken Marks, former CRO of Cynomi, (this episode was recorded prior to his departure) validates a philosophy he’s held for many years: top-down support is critical to channel success. He shares his thoughts on his new role, C-suite buy in with an indirect GTM and cybersecurity with host Frank Vitagliano in episode 60 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.   How does Marks leverage distribution to scale sales and solution adoption in the IT community? Which routes to market could serve as coverage and support models for his business? Check out this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for the answers and an insightful conversation on cybersecurity, AI and distribution.   What trends will have the biggest impact on IT vendors? Download a free copy of new GTDC Tech Distribution 2030 report today to find out!  

From cloud procurement and enablement to managing relationships with hyperscalers, distributors have become masters of the digital realm for their vendor and solution provider partners. In episode 60 of the Beyond Distribution with GTDC podcast, TD SYNNEX executives Reyna Thompson, President of North America, and Jessica McDowell, Senior Vice President, North America Marketing & Digital Customer Success share insight on that critical topic with host Frank Vitagliano.   The trio discuss the tools and programs that enable the channel today, including the latest digital platforms. How can distributors help their vendor and solution provider partners overcome the complexities of innovation? Which investments will ensure end-users enjoy more successful and secure technology journeys?  Get the answers to those questions (and more) in this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC. Then download a free copy of the new GTDC Tech Distribution 2030 report to see what comes next.  

With the tech industry innovating faster than ever, channel organizations need as much support as possible, and that’s where GTIA — formerly the CompTIA member community — shines. In episode 58 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, newly appointed GTIA CEO Dan Wensley discusses the organization's past and future journey with host Frank Vitagliano. Their conversation touches on Wensley’s 30-year IT industry journey, including his leadership role in the early days of managed services, as well as the continuing evolution of technology and business models.   How will GTIA help channel professionals navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead? What are his priorities around research, resources and programs?   Check out this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for answers to those questions, as well as a deep look into the future of the IT industry.  

Digital transformation has come a long way with investment in that area projected to reach $4 trillion dollars by 2028, and that shift shows no signs of abating, says Frank Della Rosa, Research Vice President of SaaS, Business Platforms and Ecosystems at IDC. He joins host Frank Vitagliano in episode 58 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC to discuss the latest trends in the cloud marketplace and the evolving role of distribution in the cloud ecosystem.   How will the digital landscape change in the future? What impact will AI have on hiring and the workforce? Where will hyperscalers fit in this evolving cloud ecosystem? What percentage of digital transformation investments involve hardware?    Check out this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for answers to those questions and even more insight on the global cloud movement from IDC.       Get another look at what lies ahead for the IT channel. Download your free copy of new GTDC Tech Distribution 2030 report today! 

While distribution has evolved significantly over the past few years, AI and the movement towards proactive and consultative services and will bring even greater benefits to channel partners and their customers, according to Bill Brandel, EVP and President of North America for Ingram Micro. In this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, he and host Frank Vitagliano discuss some of those inflection points, the rapid transformation of the industry and take a long look at the opportunities ahead for the IT industry.   How will digital platforms augment the procurement process and the partner experience? What tools will help vendors escalate their sales and integration capabilities? Listen in to this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for those details (and more)!      Looking for additional insight on the channel’s future direction? Download your free copy of new GTDC Tech Distribution 2030 report today!   

Organizations are increasingly dependent on technologies that streamline and automate operations, and AI allows channel partners to deliver in both areas for their clients. That is just one of the benefits of artificial intelligence that are discussed with a panel of industry experts in this episode of Beyond Distribution, which was recorded live at GTDC Summit EMEA in Madrid. Moderated by IT Channel Consultant Alex Tatham, the group share their firsthand experiences and unique insight into the solutions and business use cases that are helping to generate interest and actual revenue streams across the ICT community.  Which industries are adopting AI the fastest? How can channel companies collaborate to deliver more valuable solutions to their end customers? The experts joining Tatham to answer those questions and add other insightful anecdotes include:    Jelle Acda, CEO, Acda Consultancy   Zu Khoja, SVP Architecture & Innovation Nielsen IQ   Justo Oreja Vega, Director Specialist, Microsoft   David Watt, CEO, CI Group  If you missed this year’s event, watch for the save the date for GTTDC Summit EMEA 2026! Also, be sure to check out our 2025 Summit Recap details on all the insightful sessions and activities.    

While the industry has long embraced the IT distributor model, today the term channel services aggregator provides a more accurate description of what these organizations do for vendors and solution providers, suggests Jason Beal, President of North America for Exclusive Networks. In this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, Beal and his VP of Sales and Marketing Andrew Warren share their insights on the industry’s transformation, the rapid rise of cybersecurity and other noteworthy topics with host Frank Vitagliano. The trio also touched on the increasing role of AI in data protection, the importance of personal relationships in the channel and what lies ahead for Exclusive Networks’ enhanced North American operations.   How will AI and automation enhance the customer experience and affect the personal touch channel partners expect from distributors? What can distributors do to build trust and strengthen engagement with partners, vendors and other stakeholders? Listen to this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for those answers and more.      Also, check out the GTDC Knowledge Hub to enjoy the video or audio versions of all 54 episodes of the podcast and access a wide array of other valued industry resources.   

Despite global economic uncertainty, the value of ICT distribution continues to strengthen with new technologies, services and platform investments. In episode 53 of Beyond Distribution, host Frank Vitagliano moderates an insightful conversation on what the future holds for the channel as well as its rapidly changing ecosystem with a panel of European distribution executives. This session was recorded live at the recent GTDC Summit EMEA event in Madrid, Spain. From expanding portfolios and digital platforms to incorporating AI everywhere, the group touched on a number of critical channel topics, including the opportunities and challenges of operating in today’s disruptive global environment.    The executive panel included:       Ali Baghdadi, SVP & Chief Country Executive, Ingram Micro (MEA focus)  Nick Bannister, President ECS EMEA, Arrow Electronics  Alessandro Cattani, CEO, Esprinet  Frank Salmon, CEO, CMS Distribution Ltd.  Where are distributors investing their resources? How will innovation spur their sales and support capabilities? Listen to this extraordinary episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC to find out.   

Geopolitical changes are creating uncertainties across the globe, from new policies and tariffs to potentially temporary supply chain moves. Despite those reservations, the IT industry have several reasons to be optimistic this year, suggests Emily Mansfield, Regional Director, Europe, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The 2025 GTDC Summit EMEA speaker joins host Frank Vitagliano for an interactive discussion on European and worldwide concerns and factors that could boost (or impede) IT spending in episode 52 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.  How will tariff threats, the Ukrainian conflict and other political uncertainties affect markets and buying capabilities? What impact could positive trends in inflation and interest rates have on consumers and businesses?   Hear the answers to those questions in this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.   Visit the GTDC Knowledge Hub for access to additional podcast episodes and other valued industry resources.   

Rapid change deeply impacts the channel, and IT distributors are orchestrating those transformations. In episode 51, Frank Vitagliano moderates an insightful conversation on that topic with a panel of the top distribution executives in North America, recorded live at the February GTDC Summit NA in Oceanside, CA. The group touches on a number of critical channel topics, including upstream and downstream advances with AI and collaboration opportunities with hyperscalers, and discuss the challenges of the current global environment. Frank’s guests include:     Sean Kerins, President and CEO, Arrow Electronics   Dan Schwab, Co-President, D&H  Paul Bay, CEO, Ingram Micro  Patrick Zammit - CEO, TD SYNNEX    What can channel expect from distributors in the future? How will AI impact sales, marketing, support and other operations? Check out this special episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC to hear their answers.  

From the early pick-pack-and-ship operations to modern-day cloud and innovation incubators, IT distribution has undergone a major transformation, according to Steve Raymund, retired chair and CEO of the former Tech Data (now TD SYNNEX). The channel pioneer joins host Frank Vitagliano in this special 50th episode of Beyond Distribution to discuss milestones in the IT industry’s evolution, channel dynamics and the origins of the GTDC.    They discuss the company’s founding by Raymund’s father in 1974 as a data supply retailer with a handful of employees, as well as his personal experiences leading and reshaping the organization from the 1980s through his retirement in 2017. From reselling components and computers before the internet to the introduction of multi-vendor solutions and the cloud, their conversation covers a lot of historical ground.    Which investments, innovations and trends had the greatest impact on the industry?  How did the needs and abilities of the IT community shift since those early days of distribution? Get those answers and learn how the transformation from hardware-centric to services-driven IT businesses reinvented the channel in this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.      Check out the GTDC Knowledge Hub to access previous episodes of the podcast and other valued industry resources.   

Cloud transformation continues to shake up and reshape the technology channel, and vendors and solution providers are looking for easier ways to scale these offerings, according to Eric Nowak, President of Global Enterprise Computing Solutions at Arrow. He joins host Frank Vitagliano in episode 49 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for an interactive discussion on that topic and shares his thoughts on the current and future direction of IT distribution.   What role will AI and data analytics play in rolling out new technologies? How can vendors leverage digital platforms to optimize their distribution ROI and quickly scale revenue streams and solution adoption? Check out this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for those answers and more.     Be sure to visit the GTDC Knowledge Hub for access to all episodes of the podcast and other valued industry resources.  

Supporting tech innovation in an area with multiple cultures and languages and many geographic barriers is challenging for even the largest vendors. According to Ali Baghdadi, SVP and CEO for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) for Ingram Micro, those are key reasons why those companies look to distributors to build and support strong channel efforts in those communities. He shares his insight on overcoming those obstacles and the region’s growing demand for innovation, including AI, digital transformation and cybersecurity with Frank Vitagliano in episode 48 of Beyond Distribution with GTDC.    What are the largest technology opportunities in this region? How can vendors gain the most traction with their investments? Which advanced technologies are in high demand in different parts of the region? Listen to this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for those answers and more.      Go to the GTDC Knowledge Hub for more podcast episodes and other valued industry resources.       

Digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity are expected to drive technology sales for years to come. However, relatively few vendors have the resources to scale sales and adoption of these innovative offerings on their own. At the recent GTDC Summit APJ event in Singapore, CEO Frank Vitagliano discussed those challenges with top distribution executives and highlighted the major benefits of indirect go-to-market strategies. This episode of Beyond Distribution is a live recording of that conversation, which also covered the latest trends in technology and business trends, and many of the ways IT distributors help vendors and solution providers optimize their operations and increase revenue. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the APJ region? How are IT distributors investing to advance sales and market adoption for their vendor and solution providers? Hear the answers straight from the top in this interactive discussion with moderator and GTDC CEO Frank Vitagliano and executives from the largest IT distributors. Those panelists included:    Patrick Aronson, Chief Marketing Officer & Head of APAC, Westcon-Comstor S. Hariharan, Group CEO, Redington Limited Luis Lourenco, SVP & Chief Country Executive ASEAN & Hong Kong, Ingram Micro  Jaideep Malhotra, President, Asia Pacific & Japan, TD SYNNEX  William Ong, Group CEO ASEAN and Executive Director, VST ECS    Visit the GTDC Knowledge Hub for access to additional podcast episodes and other valued industry resources.     

According to IDC Group Vice President of Domain Research Avneesh Saxena, Asia Pacific is strategically important to the IT industry, with many emerging companies taking risks to drive innovation in the digital-first global environment. In this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, he joins host Frank Vitagliano to discuss regional sales trends, new technology opportunities, and the shifting worldwide IT landscape.   Saxena also provides a sneak peak of his keynote presentation at the GTDC Summit APJ event in Singapore, including the effects of AI and cybersecurity advances on technology sales. From the regional impact of China and the latest opportunities with AI, digital transformation and innovation, he highlights what tech executives need to know today to make strategic decisions that will impact their future success.         What comes next for the APJ IT community? How will the region drive global sales and adoption of AI and other advanced technologies? How will services impact overall IT revenue growth in the next few years?  Check out this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for those answers (and more). To view the IDC slides Saxena mentions in this discussion, see the full video on the GTDC podcast page. .      

Despite the uncertainty of global elections, shifting policies, and layoffs in the tech community, the industry outlook is positive, suggests John Marrett, Director of Financial Risk for the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). In this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC, he joins host Frank Vitagliano to discuss a variety of factors impacting world and regional markets and IT demand.  Marrett will share his expertise on this topic and deeper insight into the Asia Pacific IT markets in a keynote discussion at the GTDC APJ Summit in Singapore on November 19th. From the impact of global elections and financial policies to the outlook for new technologies and business model changes, he will highlight the issues and opportunities that tech executives should focus on in 2025 and beyond.        How will new leaders affect the IT community? Will growing demand for AI and cybersecurity drive faster technology refresh cycles?    Listen to this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for all those answers (and more).     Visit the GTDC Knowledge Hub for access to additional podcast episodes and other valued industry resources.   

Sustainability remains a high priority for business leaders across the globe, with increasing awareness driven by regulations and societal concerns. However, the roadmap and tracking options for compliance remain unclear. In this episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC Manuel Aguirre, Senior Manager of Global Sustainability for TD SYNNEX, and Dominique Deklerck, Sustainability Project Lead for GTDC discuss those issues and opportunities with host Frank Vitagliano.     The trio explores sustainability as a competitive driver and the value of these initiatives for attracting investors and young talent, especially in the global tech community. Aguirre and Deklerck also highlight some of the advances in GTDC’s data project and the need for more industry collaboration and engagement to ensure long-term success.   Why is sustainability such an important focus for the IT community? How can vendors and distributors get more involved?  Listen to this special episode of Beyond Distribution with GTDC for those answers (and more).    Be sure to check out the GTDC Knowledge Hub to access more than 40 additional podcast episodes and a host of other valued industry resources.