Lenovo and HP continue to dominate the German IT channel, according to the latest Channel Excellence Awards conducted by ChannelPartner and market research firm Context. The awards highlight a strategic shift in the industry, merging “Mobile” and “Stationary Clients” into a single category to reflect the blurring lines between workstations, notebooks, and tablets.
The Convergence of Mobile and Stationary Client Hardware
The traditional divide between a desktop and a laptop is disappearing. ChannelPartner and Context officially merged the “Stationary Clients” and “Mobile Clients” categories because the client landscape has shifted significantly. This new unified category now encompasses everything from high-end workstations and All-in-Ones to smartphones, tablets, and convertibles.
This consolidation isn’t just a naming change. It reflects how businesses now deploy hardware. A professional might use a tablet for presentations, a notebook for travel, and a powerful workstation for heavy processing, all within the same ecosystem. Lenovo’s recent success in this category, highlighted by the recognition of new Channel Chief Michael Neuhold, underscores the importance of a versatile portfolio.
Did you know? The Channel Excellence Awards rely on direct feedback from IT service providers, system houses, MSPs, CSPs, and specialist retailers to determine which manufacturers and distributors provide the best support and product value.
How Channel Partnerships Drive Hardware Adoption
Hardware doesn’t sell itself in the B2B sector. The relationship between the manufacturer (vendor), the distributor, and the partner (the system house or MSP) is the primary driver of market share. According to ChannelPartner, these awards serve as a critical “positioning statement” for how well these three entities collaborate.
Pro Tip: If you are an IT service provider or MSP, ensure you participate in industry surveys like the Channel Excellence Awards.
Future Trends: The AI PC and Hybrid Workstations
Comparison: Traditional vs. Modern Client Categories
| Feature | Old Model (Split) | New Model (Unified) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Form factor (Fixed vs. Mobile) | User Experience & Ecosystem |
| Device Scope | Desktops vs. Laptops | Workstations, Tablets, Smartphones, AIOs |
| Market Logic | Hardware specs | Hybrid work flexibility |
FAQ: Understanding the Channel Excellence Awards
What are the Channel Excellence Awards?
They are industry benchmarks awarded by ChannelPartner and Context that evaluate the quality of cooperation between manufacturers, distributors, and IT partners in the German market.
Who can vote in these awards?
IT service providers, system houses, MSPs, CSPs, and specialist retailers are eligible to cast their votes.
Why was the “Mobile and Stationary Clients” category merged?
The merger reflects the evolving nature of the client landscape, where the distinction between different types of end-user devices has become less relevant to how they are deployed and managed.
Join the Conversation
How has the shift to hybrid work changed the hardware you recommend to your clients? Do you prefer a unified ecosystem or specialized devices?
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