Actually Apple does still use channel partners, BUT....very exclusive/controlled. I believe Jobs was focused on promotion of Apple computer/hardware products.

MSFT has a very large channel partnership program for their software, services, etc.

IMSO $SFOR remaining lean for very good reasons -- and a goal of the company has been buyout!

Channel partners is smart business and gets your products out to a much Larger Global Footprint.

I agree and would only buy from the source/SFOR or from one of their known approved channel partners. I myself buy directly from $SFOR. Those Ebay sales are very minimal chump change and I'm focused on the Big Picture with the Large deals with Billion $$$$$$$ Behemoths like FD/Fiserv, AJG/GA, and soon to be "DSS" (in 2020)! We've been working with other Billion $$$$$$$ Behemoths for a while like Intel and McAfee, and more. 2020 will be AWESOME and very very good time to be a $SFOR Share-Holder!

Large Deals / Behemoth Implementation phase started last month 15 NOV! The Big REVs will now follow, starting slowly and then rapidly, as implementation users/licenses steadily increase!

All the best,
R2R