--- title: "Best Channel Management Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Channel Management Software for your organization. Compare top Channel Management Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/channel-management-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Channel Management Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Channel Management Software of 2026 Updated October 23, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 216 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 216 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Allbound](/crm/allbound-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 23 - Starting price: $3,495.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Allbound offers a channel management platform for organizations looking to build or expand indirect sales channels that include resellers, distributors, VARs, agents, dealers, [Read more](/crm/allbound-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - CRM: 5/5 - Data Security: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Real-Time Analytics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Social Media Integration: 4/5 - Task Management: 4/5 - Partner Management: 4/5 [See all features](/crm/allbound-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Unifyr](/crm/zift-solutions-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 27 - Starting price: $0.01 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Zift is a cloud-based channel management and marketing solution, which assists medium to large sized businesses with revenue analysis and campaign management. Its key features [Read more](/crm/zift-solutions-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Campaign Management: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Social Media Integration: 5/5 - Live Chat: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Incentive Management: 3/5 - Partner Management: 3.5/5 - Lead Management: 4/5 - Pipeline Management: 4/5 [See all features](/crm/zift-solutions-profile/#key-features) --- ### [servis.ai](/product/113880-FreeAgent-Network/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 71 - Starting price: $75.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Servis.ai, formerly FreeAgent CRM, is a robust Business Operations Management Platform that helps your team get organized, gain visibility into day-to-day work, and get more done [Read more](/product/113880-FreeAgent-Network/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Pipeline Management: 5/5 - Customer Segmentation: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Dashboard: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Campaign Management: 3/5 - Marketing Automation: 3/5 [See all features](/product/113880-FreeAgent-Network/#key-features) --- ### [Magentrix](/portal/magnetrix-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 24 - Starting price: $1.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Run your entire partner program from one platform that mirrors your CRM and adapts to your workflows. Magentrix is an API-first partner relationship management (PRM) platform [Read more](/portal/magnetrix-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $1.00/month [See full pricing details](/portal/magnetrix-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Apex Loyalty](/crm/apex-loyalty-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: €4,990.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Apex Loyalty is a loyalty and engagement management software based on the Salesforce platform, which helps businesses connect with partners, distributors and retailers to manage [Read more](/crm/apex-loyalty-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Communication Management: 5/5 - Rewards Management: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Loyalty Program: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Online Ordering: 4/5 [See all features](/crm/apex-loyalty-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Jurny](/crm/jurny-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 45 - Starting price: $14.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview What is Jurny? Jurny is the world first AI-native property management software (PMS) built for vacation rental operators and boutique hotel managers with 15 or more properties. [Read more](/crm/jurny-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Contact Management: 5/5 - Registration Management: 5/5 - Visitor Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - CRM: 2/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 3/5 - Rate Management: 3.3/5 [See all features](/crm/jurny-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Impartner PRM](/crm/impartner-prm-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 27 - Starting price: $2,000.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview At Impartner, our business is helping you grow yours. Our Partner Relationship Management (PRM) and Partner Marketing Automation (PMA) solutions help companies accelerate revenue [Read more](/crm/impartner-prm-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Lead Management: 5/5 - Partner Portal: 4.7/5 - Affiliate Management: 4.7/5 - CRM: 4.6/5 ##### Worst rated features - Access Controls/Permissions: 4/5 - Campaign Analytics: 4/5 - Email Marketing: 4/5 [See all features](/crm/impartner-prm-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $2,000.00/month [See full pricing details](/crm/impartner-prm-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [IQware](/lost-and-found/iqware-pms-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.5/5 - Reviews: 17 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview IQware's Property Management System (IQpms) is a comprehensive Hospitality solution designed to enhance RevPAR and effectively meet the distinct needs of various accommodations, [Read more](/lost-and-found/iqware-pms-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customizable Templates: 5/5 - Reservations Management: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - API: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contact Management: 3/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 3/5 - Activity Dashboard: 3.5/5 - Template Management: 4/5 [See all features](/lost-and-found/iqware-pms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Rentals United](/crm/rentals-united-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 138 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rentals United is a cloud-based channel management solution, which assists vacation rental managers with management of online reservations and guest communications. Key features [Read more](/crm/rentals-united-profile/) ##### What users love - Broad channel connectivity options ##### To take in mind - Slow and unhelpful support responses #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Booking Management: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Multi-Channel Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Dynamic Pricing: 1/5 - Email Templates: 1/5 [See all features](/crm/rentals-united-profile/#key-features) --- ### [OwnerRez](/crm/ownerrez-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 271 - Starting price: $40.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OwnerRez is a vacation rental platform designed for managing bookings and operations. It supports both small homeowners and large property management businesses and offers channel [Read more](/crm/ownerrez-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Communication Management: 5/5 - Booking Management: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Availability Management: 5/5 [See all features](/crm/ownerrez-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $40.00/month [See full pricing details](/crm/ownerrez-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ZINFI’s Unified Partner Management (UPM)](/product/450558-ZINFIs-Partner-Relationship-Management/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 173 - Starting price: $100.00 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ZINFI Unified Partner Management (UPM) Platform: ZINFI's Unified Partner Management (UPM) platform helps vendors run their entire partner ecosystem — partner relationships, [Read more](/product/450558-ZINFIs-Partner-Relationship-Management/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Referral Management: 5/5 - Visual Analytics: 5/5 - Deal Management: 5/5 [See all features](/product/450558-ZINFIs-Partner-Relationship-Management/#key-features) --- ### [ThinkReservations](/hotel-management/thinkreservations-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 120 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ThinkReservations provides a fast, professional and comprehensive property management system (PMS) for independent lodging businesses. With a blend of business management [Read more](/hotel-management/thinkreservations-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Promotions Management: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Group Reservations: 5/5 - Availability Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 3/5 - Mobile Access: 4/5 - GDS/OTA Integration: 4/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/thinkreservations-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Hostaway](/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 1,623 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Trusted by 20,000+ property managers worldwide, Hostaway is an industry leading, AI-powered vacation rental management platform designed for professional short-term rental [Read more](/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and patient support team - Personalized onboarding guidance experience - Intuitive and centralized interface ##### To take in mind - Complex and costly pricing structure - Messaging integration and usability issues - Limited website customization options #### Features ##### Best rated features - Financial Management: 5/5 - Appointment Management: 5/5 - Room Booking: 5/5 - Catering Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Multi-Currency: 2.7/5 - Extended Stay: 3/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 3/5 - Single Property: 3/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/#key-features) --- ### [RentalReady](/rental/rentalready-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 124 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview RentalReady streamlines all the time consuming and repetitive tasks of your short-term rental business. Property Management Software Centralized system for all your needs Created [Read more](/rental/rentalready-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Housekeeping Management: 5/5 - Owner Statements: 5/5 - Activities Booking: 5/5 - Third Party Booking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile App: 2/5 - SMS Messaging: 3/5 [See all features](/rental/rentalready-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Rise Plan - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Designed to help scale your business with advanced booking management and quality control [See full pricing details](/rental/rentalready-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [DataFeedWatch](/catalog-management/datafeedwatch-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 279 - Best for: Multi-Channel Management - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Optimize your feeds for Google Shopping, Facebook, Instagram and 2,000+ more channels in 60+ countries. With DataFeedWatch you can easily optimize your data feed and let you [Read more](/catalog-management/datafeedwatch-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Sales Reports: 5/5 - Product Catalog: 4.9/5 - Multi-Channel Management: 4.8/5 - Data Import/Export: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Campaign Analytics: 3/5 - ROI Tracking: 3.5/5 - Order Management: 3.9/5 - Multi-Campaign: 4/5 [See all features](/catalog-management/datafeedwatch-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/catalog-management/datafeedwatch-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Aiosell](/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 75 - Starting price: $15.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Aiosell is an All in One Hotel Hotel System uses automation & AI to increase revenues for hotels. Aiosell system includes Property Management System, Revenue Management System, [Read more](/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Tax Management: 5/5 - Restriction Management: 5/5 - Kill Switch: 5/5 - Front Desk Management: 5/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $15.00/month [See full pricing details](/hotel-management/aiosell-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Inn Style](/hotel-management/inn-style-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 71 - Starting price: £21.99/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Bookings? Sorted. Calendars? Synced. Vibes? Immaculate. Inn Style helps your property run smooth, so you can kick back & host like a legend. Manage your sales channels with our [Read more](/hotel-management/inn-style-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Price/Margin Management: 5/5 - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Calendar Management: 5/5 - Rate Management: 5/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/inn-style-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### 1 Room / Unit - Price: £21.99/month ##### 2 Rooms / Units - Price: £37.99/month ##### 3 Rooms / Units - Price: £43.99/month [See full pricing details](/hotel-management/inn-style-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Yanolja Cloud Solution Channel Manager](/crm/ezee-centrix-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 345 - Starting price: $32.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Yanolja Cloud Solution’s Channel Manager is an intelligent distribution management platform designed to help hotels maximize online visibility, streamline rate management, and [Read more](/crm/ezee-centrix-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Data Synchronization: 5/5 - Task Management: 5/5 - Workflow Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 4/5 - Customizable Branding: 4/5 [See all features](/crm/ezee-centrix-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $32.00/month [See full pricing details](/crm/ezee-centrix-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Caterbook](/hotel-management/caterbook-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 38 - Starting price: £70.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Caterbook is a cloud-based reservation solution, which assists bed and breakfast, guest houses, serviced apartments and hotels with room booking and billing. Key features include [Read more](/hotel-management/caterbook-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Booking Notes: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Group Reservations: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Access: 2.5/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/caterbook-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: £70.00/month [See full pricing details](/hotel-management/caterbook-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Stayflexi](/hotel-management/stayflexi-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 164 - Starting price: $40.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Stayflexi is a property management software that helps businesses in the hospitality industry manage various administrative operations related to housekeeping, room bookings, [Read more](/hotel-management/stayflexi-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 - Content Management: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - User Management: 3/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/stayflexi-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $40.00/month [See full pricing details](/hotel-management/stayflexi-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [DiBooq for Hosts](/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/) - Overall rating: 5.0/5 - Reviews: 29 - Starting price: €18.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview DiBooq for Hosts is a smartphone-focused channel manager created for vacation rental owners. With the capacity to manage multiple accommodations from a centralized interface, [Read more](/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Channel Management: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Property Database: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 [See all features](/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Monthly Basic Plan - Price: €18.00/month - DiBooq offers a transparent and flexible monthly subscription for vacation rental owners at €18 per ##### Yearly Basic Plan - Price: €144.00/year - DiBooq offers a transparent yearly subscription for vacation rental owners at €12 per month, billed ##### Monthly Professional Plan - Price: €30.00/month - DiBooq offers a transparent and flexible Professional monthly subscription for vacation rental [See full pricing details](/product/526751-DiBooq-for-Hosts/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/channel-management-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/channel-management-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/channel-management-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/channel-management-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [9](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/channel-management-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=9) ## Popular Comparisons [ Guesty vs Hostaway ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/vs/hostaway/)[ Guesty Lite vs Lodgify ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-for-hosts-profile/vs/lodgify/)[ Amenitiz vs RMS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/amenitiz-profile/vs/rms/)[ Yanolja Cloud Solution Channel Manager vs eviivo ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/vs/ezee-centrix/)[ Little Hotelier vs Cloudbeds ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/cloudbeds-profile/vs/littlehotelier/)[ OwnerRez vs iGMS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/airgms-profile/vs/ownerrez/)[ Sirvoy vs eZee Frontdesk ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/ezee-frontdesk-profile/vs/sirvoy/) ## Your Guide to Top Channel Management Software, September 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Channel Management products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [eZee Centrix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ezee-centrix-profile/) - [OwnerRez](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/ownerrez-profile/) - [Hostaway](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/hostaway-profile/) - [Jurny](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/jurny-profile/) - [Avantio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/avantio-profile/) - [iGMS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/airgms-profile/) - [Lodgify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/lodgify-profile/) - [RoomRaccoon](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/roomraccoon-profile/) - [Guesty Lite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-for-hosts-profile/) - [Amenitiz](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/amenitiz-profile/) - [Beds24](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/beds24-profile/) - [Guesty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/guesty-profile/) - [Uplisting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/uplisting-profile/) - [Little Hotelier](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/littlehotelier-profile/) - [eviivo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hotel-management/eviivo-profile/) - [Smoobu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/property/smoobu-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Even in these days of Internet disintermediation, it is unusual for manufacturers to sell directly to end customers. Instead, products are sold through a complex web of distributors, wholesalers and retailers, with value-added retailers (VARs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) thrown into the mix. To manage all of these sales channels, companies use channel management software. We wrote this buyer’s guide to help buyers untangle this market’s web of solutions and conduct a proper system comparison. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What Is Channel Management Software?](#WhatIsChannelManagementSoftware) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits and Potential Issues](#BenefitsandPotentialIssues) [Market Trends You Should Understand](#MarketTrendsYouShouldUnderstand) [The Vendor Landscape](#TheVendorLandscape) ## What Is Channel Management Software? Channel management (CM) software, also known as partner relationship management software (or just PRM software), tracks goods and services from the seller to the ultimate consumer. These programs are valuable for automating sales and marketing processes through indirect company channels. One might think of channel management as sales force automation (SFA) for OEM and VAR channels.  CM functions include partner recruiting; partner lifecycle, channel sales, territory, leads, order and account management; compensation planning; channel marketing; activity tracking; pipeline forecasting; and product configuration. Most systems will include partner tools that give visibility from the partners into the system. More advanced systems will also track cooperative advertising dollars and compliance.  In keeping with classic supply chain design, the supplier firm (the upstream partner) and the customer firm (the downstream partner) should have systems that interact. This integration allows orders, inventory and other information to be passed securely between the partners as necessary. ## What Type of Buyer Are You? **Manufacturer buyer.** These buyers work with firms that make goods to sell. These buyers need collateral distribution and partner and order management. **Distributor buyer.** These buyers work for distributors and very large retailers. They need order management, price customization and shipping prioritization. **Wholesale and retail channel buyers.** These buyers work for whole seller and regional retailer firms or retailer cooperatives. These buyers need strong integration with accounting to track dealer accounts, collateral distribution and marketing co-op tracking. **OEM/VAR channel buyers.** These buyers work for firms that sell to OEMs and VARs. These buyers are seeking product branding, collateral customization, special order processing and accounting integration. ## Benefits and Potential Issues **Increased customer satisfaction.** There actually may be several sets of customers satisfied throughout the chain. Ultimately, it is the final consumer that matters most to the manufacturer, but it is rare that the consumer is the manufacturer’s customer. Partner management software gives each step in the channel increased visibility into the whole process. **Recall management.** Should a product need to be recalled, CM gets the word to downstream partners quickly. Fast, decisive action can limit damage and minimize bad publicity. **Better inventory analysis and reporting.** CM allows inventory levels to be maintained at optimum levels. Orders can be triggered manually or automatically, but in either case CM can measure downstream partners’ inventory trends and let the supplier more accurately project required inventory levels and manufacturing requirements. **Better account management.** CM systems consolidate partner information, giving reps insight to increase sales and customer satisfaction at the same time. For example, when a VAR calls in an order, the rep can check to see if the customer is close to price breaks or order levels to trip co-op advertising budgets. There are dangers in this level of integration: problems can propagate through the system. The Wall Street Journal reported, for example, that Amazon listed the book The Making of a Fly by Peter Lawrence for $23,698,655.93, plus $3.99 for shipping. Used copies were available for $35.54. The problem? Amazon has two channel partners that provide pricing information and in this case, the computer algorithms used by the two partners were competing against each other and raising the price in a loop. ## Market Trends to Understand - **Consolidation with CRM.** Most channel management functions are being integrated into CRM and SFM systems or are included within the CRM applications from enterprise suite vendors. Stand alone channel management systems are increasingly rare, although CRM and SFM systems could be used for stand alone channel management if desired. - **Software as a service.** As with CRM in general, there is a strong move toward the software as a service (SaaS) model. A cloud-based model allows all partners to access appropriate information as long as they have access to a Web browser and the Internet. - **Web integration.** Even premises-based providers offer Web access to partners. This way downstream partners can check their accounts, check order status, place orders and track co-op account funds. - **Mobile operations.** Most channel management systems can be accessed by mobile devices and can provide email alerts as well as text message alerts. - **Automatic ordering.** If both partners have compatible systems, one advantage is automatic order placement, or vendor-management inventory. For example, as a retail store sells a particular model of television set, its inventory system tracks the quantity on hand. When that quantity falls below a certain threshold, the inventory system will automatically place an order with the supplier by interfacing to the supplier’s channel management system. ## The Vendor Landscape | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | This type of buyer... | Should evaluate these systems | | Manufacturer buyer | SAP, Oracle, GoldMine, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Salesforce | | Distributor buyer | SAP, Oracle, GoldMine, SugarCRM | | Wholesale and retail channel buyer | GoldMine, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Sage ACT!, InfusionSoft | | OEM/VAR channel buyer | SugarCRM, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Salesforce | --- ### Related Channel Management Software - [Customer Advocacy Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-advocacy/) - [Customer Engagement Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/customer-engagement-comparison/) - [Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ciam/) - [Customer Reference Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-reference-management/) - [Demo Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/demo/) - [Partner Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/partner-management/) - [Referral Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/referral-management/) - [Sales Coaching Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/sales-coaching/) - [Sales Enablement Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/sales-enablement-comparison/)