CMP Media's CRN Acknowledges The Most Influential Channel Chiefs

Elite Group Creates and Promotes Channel Programs and Strategies; CRN Channel Chiefs Elite List in its Fourth Consecutive Year

PRNewswire
MANHASSET, N.Y.
Feb 27, 2006

Today, CMP Media's CRN announced the most influential channel executives who consistently create, promote and execute effective channel partner programs and strategies. The CRN Channel Chiefs are an elite group of individuals that consistently ensure that the voice of the channel is heard.

"Solution Providers are always looking for strong channel advocates," said Heather Clancy, vice president/editor of CRN. "These individuals are viewed within their own companies with respect and they have the authority to make things happen. The difference between these individuals is that they consistently ensure the channel's position when strategic decisions are being made and continually nurture mutually profitable relationships."

CRN recognized over 50 executives in this special report. Several of the top executives include:

    * Chuck Robbins, Vice President, U.S. Channels, Cisco Systems

    * John Thompson, Vice President and General Manager, Solution Partners
      Organization - Americas, Hewlett Packard

    * Thomas Valiente, Vice President, Channels, Americas, Hitachi

    * Steve Dallman, Director, Americas Distribution and Channel Marketing,
      Intel

    * Sharon Brindley, Vice President, U.S. Business Channels, Lexmark

    * Margo Day, Vice President, U.S. Partner Group, Microsoft

    * Rauline Ochs, Group Vice President, North American Alliances &
      Channels, Oracle

    * John Johasky, Vice President, Marketing, Samsung

CRN also recognized ten executives that promotes and defends the channel worldwide. They include:

    * Keith Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Channels, Cisco

    * John Koury, Vice President, Global Channel Marketing, EMC

    * Jim McDonnell, Senior Vice President and General Manager for
      HP's Solution Partners Organization

    * Donn Atkins, General Manager, IBM Global Business Partners

    * Allison Watson, Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group and World
      Wide Small Business Group, Microsoft

    * Julie Parrish, Vice President Global Channel Sales and Strategy,
      Symantec

The CRN Channel Chief list is in its fourth consecutive year. Top Channel Chiefs were chosen based on criteria including policy and program innovations made during the past year, the amount of revenue their company generates through partners, their willingness to speak out publicly on behalf of the channel, and the number of years they have dedicated to channel activities over the years.

The complete list of elite executives can be found in this week's issue of CRN or on the website at http://www.crn.com/.

About CRN

CRN provides Solution Providers and Technology Integrators with the crucial information and analysis they need to drive their company's sales. As an advocate for and voice of the Channel, Solution Providers turn to CRN first for immediate information. With more than 20 years of experience, CRN is the most trusted source for 117,000 channel professionals. CRN can be found on the Web at http://www.crn.com/.

About CMP Media (http://www.cmp.com/)

Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information brands in the technology, healthcare and entertainment industries, CMP Media has earned the confidence of more professionals and enthusiasts in these fields than any other media company. As a result, CMP is the premier provider of access, insight and actionable programs designed to connect sellers and buyers in each of these industries in ways that yield superior return on investment.

  Contacts:
  Laura Mastroberti
  CRN
  516.562.7382
  lmastroberti@cmp.com

SOURCE: CMP Media LLC

CONTACT: Laura Mastroberti of CRN, +1-516-562-7382,
lmastroberti@cmp.com

Web site: http://www.crn.com/
http://www.cmp.com/