CompTIA Association News
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 29, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
44% of companies say that the cost/ROI of unified communications is an aspect that requires more clarity. CompTIA IT SmartStat
One suggestion to ease payroll tax compliance burden
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
When small employers speak of tax compliance burden, payroll tax filings are near the top of the complaint list. The cost of preparing and filing these quarterly returns adds up. Also, being required to file four or five returns -- instead of one -- translates into additional opportunities for inadvertent errors, increasing the possibilities of filing penalties. Why don't we just consolidate these payroll tax filings?
Education needed to help small IT firms access new sources for capital
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
For small businesses, access to new capital and financing is critical to their ability to grow and keep pace with customer demand for their services. The recently-enacted Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act opens up a new channel of vital equity capital through crowdfunding. But according to a CompTIA survey, just 1 in 5 firms is aware of this new potential source of financing. How can you access capital?
Quick-start guide to cloud
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
The cloud is not one offering or service, but a number of Web-based applications and platforms that offer a great opportunity for solution providers. A CompTIA guide provides a basic education on cloud computing and offers actionable steps for IT channel leaders attracted to this emerging technology delivery model. Read more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 25, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
83% of retailers believe that IT will be important to their business two years from now. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Cloud computing evens playing field for SMBs, fosters new innovation
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Cloud computing represents the most significant growth sector in the IT industry. The efficiencies it provides can be a difference-maker for a small startup firm or a business looking to reduce costs. Currently, the U.S. is the undisputed leader in cloud services, and CompTIA is pushing three common-sense actions to help the country build on its leadership position. Learn more.
Calling solution providers -- hone and expand your business
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
CompTIA provides a number of resources for solution providers to learn new strategies, improve their business practices and gain IT channel intelligence. Get started.
Moving and managing the cloud
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Do you know what cloud computing means from a business and technical perspective? The CompTIA Cloud Essentials specialty certification demonstrates that an individual knows what is involved in moving to and governing the cloud. Get your specialty certification.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 24, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
56% of organizations say that the concept of unified communications is well defined. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Win IT business from state and local governments
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
What separates those who succeed as government contractors from those who invest their energies in completing the many steps required to work with government entities -- only to never win a bid? Learn tips for differentiating your products and services for a government audience, strategies for overcoming undercapitalization and tactics for using teaming and subcontracting to expand your reach. Learn how to tap this market.
CompTIA Storage+ addresses data-storage job skills
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
CompTIA and the Storage Networking Industry Association have launched a new certification for IT professionals working in the evolving and expanding data-storage arena, CompTIA Storage+ powered by SNIA.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 23, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
42% of companies say that unified communications is a top priority for them. CompTIA IT SmartStat.
Service providers gain new industry opportunity
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Law firms rely heavily on technology and currently utilize a variety of IT products, systems and software. New opportunities for solution providers lie with emerging technologies and solutions that reduce complexity, add capabilities or improve efficiencies. CompTIA provides resources for solution providers to understand the legal industry, its challenges and processes.
CompTIA Network+: A Path to Apple Consultants Network
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
With the increasing demand for mobility solutions, joining the Apple Consultants Network can help CompTIA members to access a new source of growth for their business. The CompTIA Network+ certification now offers the possibility to directly embark on the mobility curriculum of the Apple Consultants Network. Learn more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 22, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
42% of companies say that unified communications is a top priority for them. CompTIA IT SmartStat.
IT entrepreneur MJ Shoer seeks to lessen burden on small businesses
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
As a small business owner with eight employees, MJ Shoer, president and virtual chief technology officer of Jenaly Technology Group Inc., sees first-hand the costs and staff time associated with tax compliance. Like many other small business owners, Shoer views the regulations and requirements surrounding payroll tax as a significant burden -- as well as an onerous cost center. Payroll tax simplification is just one issue that spurred Shoer to get engaged with Members of Congress and become an advocate for the small business community. Read more.
Get answers to your market-research questions in a snap
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
In a first of its kind for the IT industry, CompTIA created a comprehensive search engine to help its members find the answers to their IT research questions quickly and easily. CompTIA analysts input thousands of records into the new CompTIA ReSEARCH Engine so that meaningful data is immediately displayed.
Organizations face challenges in expanding UC use
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
Interest in unified communications remains high. Four out of five companies surveyed for CompTIA's "Second Annual Unified Communications Market Trends" study perceive additional value in the proposition of unified communications. Large and medium-sized companies and those with a higher proportion of telecommuting workers are most bullish. But are budgets able to keep pace with the demand?
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 21, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
57% of organizations address IT skills gaps via training staff. CompTIA IT SmartStat.
Make plans for Vegas; Register for CompTIA Breakaway
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
In Las Vegas, July 30 to Aug. 2, get your map to navigate the IT channel at CompTIA Breakaway. As the premier education event for the IT channel, Breakaway 2012 will help you navigate training, peer-to-peer connections and networking opportunities. Mark your calendar today and register to attend Breakaway 2012.
Subscribe for free to ChannelPro
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Calling all VARs, service providers and IT consultants who serve small businesses: Sign up for a free print magazine and e-newsletter. ChannelPro-SMB, a CompTIA media partner, provides targeted business and technology information for the IT channel. Via ChannelPro magazine, events and online properties, the media network delivers expert opinion, analysis, news, product reviews and advice vital to a reseller's business success.
CompTIA shines spotlight on small IT businesses
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Small IT businesses across the United States, vital contributors to the nation's economic strength and technology leadership, are poised to expand their contributions on both fronts. In conjunction with National Small Business Week, CompTIA this week will spotlight some of its small IT entrepreneur and business members that are such a vital element of the nation's economic vibrancy and technological advancement; and highlight policy issues impacting these CompTIA small business members. Read more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 18, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
24% of employers indicate that their IT skills gap has affected their speed to market. CompTIA IT SmartStat.
Business Solutions for MSPs and VARs
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
Business Solutions, a print and online resource, connects MSPs and VARs to the latest networking, storage, security, and managed services success stories and trends. Gain access to the latest success stories from your peers, as well as white papers, webcasts, videos and more.
Managed print services
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
Managed print is a growing space because of its impact on reducing infrastructure costs associated with printing, improving productivity and environmental sustainability. CompTIA provides resources for solution providers to build a successful managed print services practice. Read more.
Partnering for STEM support
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
CompTIA, through its TechVoice partnership with the North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) and the New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) to support education in STEM fields in North Carolina and New Jersey, is giving $5,000 grants each to local groups.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 17, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
Gaps in IT skills have affected innovation/new product development at 26% of companies. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Managed services training
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
As technology has grown more complex and expensive to manage, more and more companies have turned to outside parties to handle the running of day-to-day IT needs. This has led to the managed services business model, in which technology is bought, delivered, monitored and managed as a set of services provided from a remote location and provider for a recurring monthly fee. CompTIA provides a number of resources for solution providers to transition from a break/fix model to managed services, thus increasing margins and business stability. Read more.
MPS conference: Transform your business ... your customer ... your industry ... your thinking
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
With 50% of printing revenue projected to be under an MPS contract by 2014, the transformation to services is critical. Transform 2012, held May 22 to 25 in Orlando, Fla., has a focus on managed print services and beyond. Transform 2012 is an independent forum for providers, partners and IT decision-makers at end-user organizations. Discover how to transform your business to the next level. Find out more.
Matching veteran job needs to the IT industry
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
Veterans desperately need jobs; the IT industry needs skilled workers. CompTIA is urging the supply of motivated veterans to take advantage of the industry demand for skilled IT workers. Learn more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 16, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
Only 9% of companies not using social tools say that they would be likely or very likely to consider a social component to a communications strategy. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Cloud Management Summit
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
The Cloud Management Summit, on June 19 in Mountain View, Calif., provides a forum for corporate decision-makers to learn how to manage today's public, private and hybrid clouds using the latest solutions and strategies for application management, access control, performance management, help desk, security, storage and service management requirements on-premise and in the cloud. Learn about this event or submit a speaker proposal.
IT security workshop for solution providers
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
All too often, IT security is viewed as a necessary evil, if not as an outright barrier to doing business. Changing that perception requires certain finesse in designing and implementing these types of solutions. It means applying granular, rather than crude, security controls. Read more.
Illinois rules Amazon tax is unconstitutional
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
Dubbed the Amazon Tax, a 2011 law would require any non-Illinois seller to collect Illinois sales tax if that seller acquires customers through a link on the Internet website of the Illinois business. This collection requirement would apply even though the out-of-state business has no other presence in the state. We refer to this emerging concept as "virtual nexus." The advent of this virtual nexus position threatened to make a hopelessly complicated patchwork of state tax laws even more complex. But finally, reason has prevailed. Read more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 15, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
25% of companies that are not using social tools say they do not have the resources to devote to social initiatives. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Managed Print Summit
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
In Las Vegas, July 17 to 19 at World Expo 2012 and the Imaging Channel Managed Print Summit, discover the trends in managed print and network solutions from leaders in the high-tech field, get peer-to-peer networking and see cutting-edge imaging products and services from exhibitors. Register.
Health care IT training
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
Technology is changing the way health care is provided and administered. Three-fourths of health care providers expect to increase their technology spending compared with last year, according to CompTIA research. CompTIA provides a number of resources for solution providers to understand and take advantage of this growing field. Read more.
IT services & support community kicks off 2012 giving
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
For the second consecutive year, our member communities will support deserving IT-related charities with financial donations. The CompTIA IT Services and Support Community kicked off the 2012 philanthropy effort with donations of $5,000 each to two charities. Learn which ones, and CompTIA members can nominate charities for their own community donations by contacting their community staff director.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 14, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
22% of companies that are not using social tools say they are not sure how to properly use social media. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Make plans for Vegas; register for CompTIA Breakaway
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
In Las Vegas, July 30 to Aug. 2, get your map to navigate the IT channel at CompTIA Breakaway. As the premier education event for the IT channel, Breakaway 2012 will help you navigate training, peer-to-peer connections and networking opportunities. Mark your calendar today and register to attend Breakaway 2012.
SMB 150 Live Event
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
There's still time to register! Join SMB Nation in Los Angeles at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on Wednesday for its SMB 150 Live event, which recognizes the top 150 influencers within the worldwide SMB technology channel. Influencers include IT consultants, analysts, VARs, MSPs, channel consultants, vendor and distributor executives, members of the media and community leaders.
Corporate technology, take 3
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
A recent article on Computerworld led with the less-than-sunny line "IT as we know it is over." From there, one might expect a discussion on offshoring, consumerization of IT or the appropriation of IT by business units for their needs. All of these things are part of the equation, but the main focus of the article is that we are entering a third wave for corporate technology. CompTIA considers, "Will this wave be different?"
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 11, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
IT skills gaps have affected staff productivity at 41% of organizations. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Meet the demand for mobility
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
The mobility market is being driven forward thanks to the availability of devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, the workforce is changing drastically, further highlighting a demand for mobile solutions. Employees who are traveling heavily or frequently bringing work home require mobile solutions. CompTIA provides resources for solution providers to understand the market and the different opportunities available in the mobile space. Find out more.
A solid cloud forms
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
Cloud services are finally becoming a significant source of revenue and business growth for solution providers and vendors. It’s become readily apparent over the past few years that there's a real business model behind Web-based service delivery, as evidenced by Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard's recent cloud endorsements. Read more.
Policy Watch roundup
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
With more than 2,000 members representing all facets of the industry and as the leading global provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications, CompTIA uniquely sits at the intersection of innovation and education. Having a strong advocate in government has never been more important than in today's global economy. Subscribe to CompTIA's Policy Watch newsletter to receive the latest research reports, industry-related news and other IT matters each month.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 10, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
48% of companies that are not using social tools say they are not yet convinced that social tools are appropriate for business use. CompTIA IT SmartStat
The rise of the machines
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
IBM has one of the most aggressive outlooks for connected devices, predicting 1 trillion by the year 2015. These devices, which will take advantage of advances in miniaturization, processing power and networking capability, will be able to collect vast amounts of data for analysis. From smart cities to smart homes, from applications in weather to applications in health care, these networks of sensors and devices are poised to change our understanding of the world around us and our ability to make decisions. Will you be ahead of the curve?
Get in the know
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
Get the latest IT news affecting the IT channel and workforce, daily, weekly or monthly. CompTIA offers more than a dozen newsletters and blogs to help the industry stay abreast of new business opportunities, market intelligence, training and career advice. Subscribe to CompTIA's free news feeds.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 9, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
29% of companies with social initiatives say the CEO/owner participates in social activity. CompTIA IT SmartStat
How will the presidential race affect the tech community?
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
With less than six months to Election Day, the campaign season is in full swing. While we will likely begin to see more differences as the campaign progresses, President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney ironically share positions on several key issues important to the tech community. Read more.
Unified communications quickly growing
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
Among U.S. businesses, nearly half expected their investments in unified communications technologies to grow relative to their overall IT budget in 2011. CompTIA provides a number of resources for solution providers to understand and enter this growing field. Learn more.
CompTIA Network+: A path to Apple Consultants Network
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
With the increasing demand for mobility solutions, joining the Apple Consultants Network can help CompTIA members to access a new source of growth for their business. The CompTIA Network+ certification now offers the possibility to directly embark on the mobility curriculum of the Apple Consultants Network. Learn more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 8, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
67% of companies with social initiatives say the marketing department participates in social activity. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Podcasting for IT market intelligence
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Each month, Channel Tech Network hosts a podcast dedicated to the real-world application of CompTIA's market research. Check out the interviews to see how you can best use market intelligence to grow your IT channel business.
Positive sentiment grows in latest CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Improving economic fundamentals and solid customer demand for information technology products and services helped boost positive sentiments in the latest CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index, the quarterly survey from the leading nonprofit association for the IT industry. Read more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 7, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
80% of employers cite one or more business areas affected by their IT skills gap. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Transform your business, your customer, your industry and your thinking
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
With 50% of printing revenue projected to be under an MPS contract by 2014, the transformation to services is critical. Transform 2012, held May 22 to 25 in Orlando, Fla., has a focus on managed print services and beyond. Transform 2012 is an independent forum for providers, partners and IT decision-makers at end-user organizations. Discover how to transform your business to the next level. Find out more.
Are your vendor partners communicating effectively with you?
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
That's just one of the questions behind CompTIA's second annual State of Channel Partner Programs study, which examines the relationship between channel firms, the IT vendors they work with and the partner programs in which they participate. The study reveals a number of notable trends around program participation, satisfaction levels and, yes, the means and quality of communication between both parties. Read more.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 4, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
28% of companies are concerned about a help desk/IT support skills gap. CompTIA IT SmartStat
TechVoice
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
TechVoice provides the IT community with timely information about state and federal IT legislation and regulations, as well as an organized method to become an instant advocate for the IT channel. Sign up for action alerts.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 3, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 03, 2012
86% of organizations indicate help desk/IT support skills are important. CompTIA IT SmartStat
IT worker shortages have reached a tipping point
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 03, 2012
The shortage of skilled IT workers is fast approaching a critical point where it could negatively impact industry growth and prosperity. That dire message was delivered by speakers on an IT workforce panel at CompTIA Colloquium, the annual gathering of leaders in the IT training and certification industry. A recent survey of IT executives identified the biggest barriers executives face in successfully completing their initiatives and projects. A full 56% said the biggest barrier is ... find out which sector has the greatest shortage.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 2, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
A storage/data backup skills gap is a concern for 29% of employers. CompTIA IT SmartStat
IT security workshop to boost solution provider business
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
All too often, IT security is viewed as a necessary evil, if not as an outright barrier to doing business. Changing that perception requires certain finesse in designing and implementing these types of solutions. It means applying granular, rather than crude, security controls. Read more.
Steps to building a successful IT security career
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
IT security pros can never stop learning about cyberthreats and security best practices. Industry professionals recommend a mix of activities to continually prep for a successful IT security career. Education, certification and continual research are a few of the steps to ensure your security success. Read more to find out what you may be missing.
CompTIA IT SmartStat: May 1, 2012
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
44% of companies with social initiatives say the IT department participates in social activity. CompTIA IT SmartStat
Top SaaS channel opportunities for VARs (and how to navigate them)
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
You would have to be living in a cave for the past few months to not have heard of Office 365, Google Apps or Salesforce.com by now. All three of them are major software-as-a-service brands with attractive partner programs, but if SMBs really do set off on a march to the cloud, then most SMB IT shops will have to find additional SaaS partner opportunities to achieve sustainable revenue levels. Read more in SMB Nation's report.
Best-selling author Steven Berlin Johnson to keynote CompTIA Breakaway
CompTIA SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
Struggling to find your next great idea for your business? Steven Berlin Johnson, the best-selling author of seven books on the intersection of science, technology and personal experience, will keynote the 2012 CompTIA Breakaway in Las Vegas on July 31. Steven's newest book is titled "Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation." Register for Breakaway to make sure you hear Johnson in person.
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