CRN (magazine)

CRN (magazine)
Title	CRN
Frequency	Weekly
Publisher	The Channel Company
Founded	1982
Country	United States
Language	English

CRN (magazine) is a trade publication covering the technology channel, including relationships among Microsoft, Intel Corporation, Apple Inc., Cisco Systems, and Amazon (company). It reports on distributors such as Ingram Micro, Tech Data Corporation, and Arrow Electronics, and system integrators, independent software vendors, managed service providers, and value-added resellers. The title is widely cited in reporting about channel strategy, partner programs, and vendor reseller ecosystems involving firms like IBM, Oracle Corporation, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and VMware.

History

CRN was founded in 1982 amid growth in personal computing hardware spearheaded by companies such as Apple II, Commodore, and IBM PC. Early coverage intersected with channel developments led by distributors like Ingram Micro and retailers such as Best Buy and CompUSA. Through the 1990s, CRN chronicled consolidation moves involving Synnex, Tech Data Corporation, and mergers echoing transactions by Hewlett-Packard and Compaq. During the dot-com era, the magazine shifted focus to partnerships with internet players including Yahoo!, AOL, and eBay. In the 2000s CRN tracked enterprise software ecosystems around Microsoft Windows Server, Oracle Database, and virtualization efforts from VMware, Inc. and Citrix Systems. The publication documented channel transformations tied to cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. Over time CRN evolved alongside industry events featuring exhibitors from RSA Conference, CES, and VMworld.

Editorial Focus and Content

CRN centers on vendor partner programs, distribution models, and channel sales strategies, routinely profiling vendors including Cisco Systems, Juniper Networks, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, and Check Point Software Technologies. Editorial features examine reseller enablement, managed services, and cloud migrations involving ServiceNow, Salesforce, and SAP SE. Product coverage spans enterprise hardware from Dell EMC, Lenovo, and Supermicro to software from Red Hat, SUSE, and Adobe Inc.. Regular columns analyze market shifts precipitated by executives at Satya Nadella, Andy Jassy, Tim Cook, Ginni Rometty, and Michael Dell, and discuss alliance moves among firms such as Nutanix and Citrix Systems. CRN publishes rankings, vendor program comparisons, opinion essays, and investigative reporting on channel incentives, partner profitability, and vendor behavior tied to major contracts with customers like AT&T, Verizon Communications, Comcast, and Walmart (store).

Circulation and Distribution

CRN targets technology resellers, managed service providers, systems integrators, and distributor executives across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, linking readership to companies such as Ingram Micro, Tech Data Corporation, Synnex, Arrow Electronics, and D&H Distributing. The print and digital circulation strategy aligns with trade shows including Channel Partners Conference, Gartner Symposium/ITxpo, and Interop, ensuring copies reach decision-makers at firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini, and Cognizant. Advertisers often include vendors like Intel Corporation, NVIDIA, AMD, Western Digital, and Seagate Technology, while distribution partnerships involve industry associations such as CompTIA and regional chambers of commerce in technology hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Bangalore.

Awards and Recognition

CRN administers and reports on industry awards and vendor channel accolades, producing lists such as the CRN lists of top solution providers, 5-star partner programs, and managed service provider rankings that highlight firms including Rackspace Technology, Datto, N-able, ConnectWise, and Kaseya. The magazine’s annual recognitions often coincide with industry honors given by organizations like IDC, Gartner, Forrester Research, and Frost & Sullivan. Individual contributors and editors have been acknowledged by journalism organizations and trade groups representing publishers and technology reporters, with coverage that has been sourced by outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg L.P., Reuters, and The New York Times.

Digital Presence and Events

CRN maintains an online portal with news, analysis, videos, and podcasts that extend coverage beyond print, referencing technology platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and LinkedIn. The brand participates in and curates content for channel-focused events, webinars, and roundtables frequently engaging executives from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google (company), Cisco Systems, and VMware, Inc.. Its event programming often aligns with major conferences including CES, RSA Conference, and regional partner summits organized by vendors like Dell Technologies World, Microsoft Ignite, and Cisco Live.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

CRN is published by The Channel Company, a media and events firm that operates alongside sister properties and events connected to technology partners, distributors, and vendors including Channel Partners, XChange Technology Delivery, and other trade brands. The Channel Company’s corporate activities intersect with private equity and investment firms historically active in media transactions, similar to deals involving companies such as Wicks Group and Advance Publications, while collaborating with industry advisory firms like McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group. The organizational structure places editorial, sales, and events operations under The Channel Company umbrella, coordinating partnerships with vendors, distributors, and associations across the channel ecosystem.

Category:Business magazines published in the United States