This IDC study provides distribution information useful for planning and forecasting worldwide switch and router growth by channel. In this increasingly competitive market, vendors need to be proactive and creative in maintaining and growing their market share within all channels. This study identifies the areas of greatest channel growth, informing readers of areas for increased channel development through IDC's distribution channel forecasts for the worldwide switch and router market from 2002 to 2008.

"The indirect sales channel continues to be the most effective vehicle for the sale of switches, routers, and a host of other networking gear," said Ken Presti, IDC research director, Network Channels and Alliances. "Nonetheless, the effects of commoditization offer compelling opportunities for creative approaches ? especially at the edge of the network, where products become increasingly plug-and-play."