Re-introduced in 2007, the new format for the 62nd Interview combines ‘up close and personal’ questions as well as a mini profile of the company and their views on the market. If you want to feature in a 62nd Interview then contact Ian Hunter, Editor Comms Business Magazine, 0870 200 6602 or email ianh@cbmagazine.co.uk

In 2008 we want to further extend the ‘getting personal’ aspect of the magazine by including the ‘mini feature’ What’s on Your IPod?

To take part in this feature just send in:

1. An MP3 playlist of ten tracks that are significant to you
2. Picture of yourself
3. 75 word bio
4. 75 words on why the tracks are special to you. l .

Please send us details of events you are holding during 2008. Where possible we will publish two or three months ahead of the event. Diary events will include exhibitions, seminars, channel partner events etc. If in doubt send it in anyway!

Whilst technology moves on at relentless pace we feel it is important to recall the events that were significant in the evolution of the market and the channel in which we operate. Events that got us to where we are today.

Comms Business Magazine will be interviewing key figures in the channel to identify those moments in time that changed the way we are working today. Examining with the individuals concerned what were the issues of the day and why decisions were made, products and applications introduced and what their effect has been.

Of course we have some ideas but would be pleased to hear from readers on their views as well. Suggestions to Ian Hunter, ianh@cbmagazine.co.uk.

Generally two case studies are covered each month. These can be submitted by vendors, distributors or resellers but each case must include the following as a guideline:

Brief description of the end user company and the driver that caused them to purchase a new application/system etc.

The product and supplier evaluation process and details on the installation/ implementation.

The case studies should also include user benefits derived and an indication on how user objectives were met.

  A return on investment position would be useful but user and reseller quotes are essential as are pictures.

  User contact details should be provided so that editorial staff may talk to the customer to determine additional information as required for publication.

As a guide, each case study should be in the region of 750 words.

Please send in details of personnel appointments or changes together with a picture in JPEG format. We publish one or two pages of appointments most months depending upon circumstances.

Comms Business regularly publishes dealer and reseller profiles. These should include a brief history of the company and basic details such as number of employees and turnover. We are keen to report on how the company has grown and what their plans are for the future. Please report upon vendor partnerships, training and staff development as well as any recent contract wins. Please send pictures in JPEG format together with reseller contact details for editorial follow up.

A template for reseller profiles is available from the editorial office – email ianh@cbmagazine.co.uk .

As a guide, each profile should be in the region of 750 words.

These are keenly sought and should be market observations by leading figures in the channel. Controversy is welcome but being thought provoking is key to getting publication. We are keen to receive pieces on most aspects of channel activity and especially on subjects that help develop sales opportunities, e.g., all aspects of the marketing cycle that could help a reseller develop their potential. You can mention products but blatant advertising will be edited out. A picture of the author in JPEG format is essential.

As a guide, each opinion piece should be in the region of 750 to 1500 words. If you are seeking to submit the larger text piece it is advisable to talk the subject over with the editorial team in order to agree the merit of the subject.

These are sponsored events. For costs please call Miles Bossom on 01892 538348, email miles@cbmagazine.co.uk.

Round table events can take several forms. Ideally we would like to report up and down the vendor channel by having vendor, distributor, resellers and where appropriate, independent software vendors present. They are ideal for talking through applications, strategies and new product launches.

Associate Editor - Maren Bennette: Maren is a channel veteran and his experience in VoIP and IP communications is borne out of his time at Cisco where he was instrumental in launching CallManager to the channel and evangelising on the benefits of IP telephony. Maren’s articles are thought provoking and he would love to be challenged on his work. Please send your comments to the Editor.

Columnist: Bob Emmerson. Bob is a freelance writer living in Holland. He has authored several books and written countless white papers on communications and technology. Bob provides insight in to new applications and how they may impact the channel.

Interviews: Each month we will feature interviews with prominent industry figures in the communications sector drawn from legislators, carriers, vendors, distributors and resellers.

CMA Update: Each month David Brunnen, Leader of the Network Services Group, Communications Management Association (CMA), produces an update on the issues that the TIA is addressing or comments upon the main feature(s) in the magazine that month.

In addition to the above, every month Comms Business published two main feature articles each of which is three to four pages of editorial text.

Main Feature #1 will be a market report on a particular technology, product group or application.

Main feature #2 examines the possibilities for resellers to add value with different products and applications.

We aim to publish the feature list six months in advance and seek to start receiving editorial submissions six weeks before publication. We are obviously happy to talk to vendors, resellers and end users and welcome ‘mini case studies’ associated with the feature subject. Appropriate pictures in JPEG format are also encouraged.