As the largest IT distributor in the world, TD SYNNEX is the center of a global technology ecosystem, connecting millions of people around the world. Understanding what is happening within the ecosystem is vital to understanding the world around us as it relates to technology. To make this easier, TD SYNNEX surveyed 300 mid-size (1,000 seats and below as defined for this survey) technology ecosystem partners in North and South America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. The first of its kind, the 2022 Global Technology Ecosystem Benchmark Report gathered the results of each of the regional benchmark studies to share insight on trends globally.
While there is much to be learned from reading the full 2022 Technology Ecosystem Benchmark Report, we examine three key takeaways from the North American report that can help partners.
Embracing Next-Generation Technology
The future is now, and that is more than evident when looking at how distribution partners are currently conducting business and plan to operate in the future. While each partner is moving at a different pace, 77 percent of North American partners find it important or even very important to expand technology solution offerings. 55 percent of partners responded that they are planning investments in next-generation technology and new consumption models. This includes everything from cloud solutions to AR/VR/metaverse solutions. As customers begin to see the capabilities these new technologies offer, they will continue to embrace them more. Learning about these technologies and their capabilities now, as well as offering these solutions, can put many partners ahead of the competition.
Services to Increase but Hardware Still Necessary
As partners plan and prepare their businesses for future success, many are turning to a focus on professional and managed service. In the next three years, 74 percent of North American partners expect to sell more professional services. They predict that demand for service offerings will increase more than anything else currently being offered during these next three years, while the biggest decrease in business will be related to hardware. While partners expect that hardware will become less important in the future, many still acknowledge its role as the backbone for attaching services and hardware-based programs that will keep customers engaged. Although services are emerging as a significant business opportunity, it’s best not to forget about hardware, especially as platforms and hardware are estimated to account for 50 percent of the $800 billion revenue opportunity presented by the metaverse by 2024.
Shifting Focus on Partner Business Investments
Partners are also changing their investment strategies and seeking out new opportunities as business strategies change. New technologies have made it possible to put a new focus on digitizing the customer journey. Around half of the partners surveyed mentioned demand generation, marketing, and e-commerce are investment priorities for the next 24 months. In today’s world, these are essential to helping partners scale and connect with customers to provide a better experience.
Conclusion
In order to provide the best service to customers, distributors need to keep up with current and trending IT trends. Understanding what is happening within the technology ecosystem provides key insight that can help define business in the future. To learn more by viewing the full North American 2022 Global Technology Ecosystem Benchmark report, click here.
