New Initiative From CMP's VARBusiness Supports 'Women of the Channel'

Identifies the Power 50 Women

PRNewswire-FirstCall
MANHASSET, N.Y.
Aug 21, 2006

MANHASSET, N.Y., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CMP Technology's VARBusiness has established a "Women of the Channel" forum in which women working for information-technology (IT) solution providers, integrators, vendors and distributors can find information, analyses and opinions specifically for them. The goal of the biweekly that provides strategic insight to technology integrators is to help the women of an industry traditionally dominated by men interact with and learn from their peers.

"VARBusiness sees a new generation of channel leaders that doesn't have the gender imbalance we have today," says Lawrence M. Walsh, the magazine's editor. "Our Women of the Channel initiative will help the next generation of female channel leaders learn from the experiences of the current field of executives as well as their contemporaries."

Power 50 Women Selected

As part of the initiative, VARBusiness has identified the top female executives in the technology channel. The 2006 "Power 50 Women of the Channel" includes 25 executives at solution providers, 20 vendors and five distributors, chosen for their achievements as business leaders, innovators and role models, as well as how much influence they wield over the channel. The lists represent a diverse cross section of the business from companies as large as Microsoft and as targeted as Compuchicks. Sixteen of those listed are CEOs. The complete listing of the Power 50 Women of the Channel appears in the Aug. 21, 2006, issue of VARBusiness and at http://www.varbusiness.com/.

Establishes Unique Site for Channel Women

VARBusiness also is establishing a Women of the Channel web site, at http://www.varbusiness.com/woc, at which the Power 50 Women of the Channel rankings also will be posted. In addition, the site will feature:

* a Career and Life Advice column by Mary Foley, motivational speaker and
    author of "Bodacious Women";
  * opinion columns by women of the channel;
  * Online Resources for Women, for help with their businesses, careers and
    lives; and
  * News about Women of the Channel.

"It's important to highlight the growing influence of women in this traditionally male field," adds Walsh. "We hope it inspires others to enter the business, form companies and reach the highest ranks."

Walsh notes that in the future, VARBusiness will launch a newsletter for Women of the Channel, as well as virtual and live events for members. The brand also has plans for similar social-networking sites for the Latino and African-American channel communities.

About VARBusiness Magazine

For the past 19 years, VARBusiness' strategic resources have been the gateway to the Solution Provider community. VARBusiness provides strategic insight for technology integrators through industry-defining research, in-depth editorial, channel events and innovative Web services, enabling these IT professionals to make educated decisions for their businesses, partnerships and customers. VARBusiness has been the recipient of numerous industry awards for both editorial content and design. Additional information about VARBusiness products, events and services, is available at its Web site, http://www.varbusiness.com/.

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

CMP Technology is a marketing-solutions company serving the technology industry. Through its market-leading portfolio of trusted information brands, CMP has earned the confidence of more technology professionals 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 ways that yield superior return on investment. CMP Technology is a subsidiary of United Business Media (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $3 billion.

Contact: Gordon Plutsky
           CMP Channel Group
           (516) 562-7766

           Jason Chupick
           Plesser Holland Associates
           (212) 420-8383 x108

SOURCE: CMP Technology

CONTACT: Gordon Plutsky of CMP Channel Group, +1-516-562-7766; or Jason
Chupick of Plesser Holland Associates, +1-212-420-8383 x108

Web site: http://www.cmp.com/
http://www.varbusiness.com/
http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/

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