The VAR Guy

PartnerPedia — a new social network for solutions providers and VARs — is set to launch in July, though an official launch date is yet to be announced. The VAR Guy got a preview on June 26. Here’s his take on the social networking site, with a few hints on who it compares to OnForce, LinkedIn and other options.

It’s always difficult to predict the success (or failure) of a social network. Basically, the networks thrive (or implode) based on viral invites. If initial members are happy, they pull in more members. If initial members aren’t impressed, social networks rarely get a “second chance” to energize those members again.

The other big challenge: Generally speaking, only 5 percent of social network members actively participate in forums and discussions, and only one percent of members actually lead and drive those discussions, The VAR Guy has observed through his own experience.

Now that you know the risks, lets zero in on PartnerPedia. The user interface seems rich, and the network’s ability to link VARs with one another seems compelling. Another big plus: PartnerPedia is built on open source various open source components (Linux, Ruby on Rails and the MySQL database, just to name a few). As a result, PartnerPedia should be able to rapidly expand its features and functions through easy-to-install plugins.

Will PartnerPedia compete with OnForce — the IT services marketplace where VARs can outsource projects to one another? The VAR Guy doubts it. While OnForce is an eBay of sorts for VARs, PartnerPedia seems more like a LinkedIn approach.

Generally speaking, The VAR Guy likes PartnerPedia’s concept and approach. The site is expected to have a soft launch around July 7, with a more official launch penciled in for around July 22.

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