Since Michael discussed our channel strategy with Ed Moltzen back in May, there have been lots of questions about how we work with partners. There have also been questions, concerns and general confusion about our PartnerDirect program.

When our PartnerDirect program launched last December, some thought Dell underestimated the importance of maintaining channel relationships. Truth is that Dell is more committed to the channel than ever before. Lots of people here understand how important our partner relationships are now and will be in the future. In my role as the Channel Community Manager, I will work to facilitate discussions between our channel partners and the Dell teams.

With that, I wanted to shed some light on several initiatives that I hope will help connect our partners to Dell's channel teams worldwide.

• Our Channel Blog - Yesterday, Colin Steele reacted to news that we had plans to launch a channel blog soon, and I thought this would be a good time to tell you a little more about it. The blog will be a place where you can tell us what you think. I'll also aim to get partners to post on the Channel Blog from time to time. Ideally the new blog will further connect our small business and channel partner communities-something that both the VAR Guy and Josh Clifford called us out on.
• PartnerDirect Forum -This discussion forum gives partners an opportunity to interact with each other, learn more about PartnerDirect and share ideas about improving the program.
• External Conversations- Our team will talk with partners where those conversations are happening.

I look forward to being a part of the channel team, and I'm excited about introducing your voices within the walls of Dell. More coming soon.