While IT solution providers in the channel help run millions of the world’s small businesses, managing their own organisations can be much more challenging.
Their activities often involve a great deal of complexity; from the highly technical solutions they design and deliver to the intricate negotiations conducted with a diverse clientele.
It doesn’t matter if they call themselves MSPs, VARs, ISVs or cloud specialists, their lives are getting more complicated by the day.
The US, Canada and the UK have peer-to-peer support groups dedicated to helping channel professionals overcome those obstacles and developing best practices to implement in their organisations. Based on the feedback we’ve received from many Australian IT firms, CompTIA believes it’s time your country had its own collaborative community focused on accomplishing similar objectives.
Australia’s demographics, compliance measures and infrastructure needs are quite distinct, so the solutions and processes for building and maintaining a successful IT services business are very different to the rest of the world. There are also global variations in the distribution and vendor networks, and significant differences in how solution providers manage those relationships.
What is CompTIA?
With more than 2,000 members and tens of thousands of registered users across the world, CompTIA has become a leading voice for the technology industry. Our peer communities and councils create valued initiatives that support the success of IT channel businesses, from the largest vendors to single-employee solution providers.
CompTIA invests millions every year in the areas of IT education, certification, advocacy and philanthropy to help channel companies become more successful. We empower solution providers, vendors and distribution professionals worldwide with the knowledge and resources they need to enhance their businesses and careers. Their success truly is our success.
While many of your compatriots have attended our events, utilised our educational programs and received our certifications over the years, CompTIA is ramping up its Australian commitment. As CRN Australia first reported in November, we’re bringing our vendor-neutral forums and content directly to you in 2015.
A new channel community
CompTIA gathered a number of solution providers, vendors, distributors, and other channel professionals in Sydney late last year to discuss the challenges and needs of the Australian IT market. Based on the conversations and interest we received during that event, we are enthusiastically moving forward with plans to build a country-specific peer group in 2015. We’re currently in the early stages of launching this Australian channel community and recruiting a core collection of channel professionals interested in leading and championing CompTIA’s collaborative efforts.
At the Sydney event in November, attendees discussed several pain points and opportunities that the new group could, and should, take on. The potential initiatives under consideration include:
• Guidance on new and emerging pathways for solution providers
• Relevant Australian market research
• A review of government policies impact on the SMB IT channel
• Guidance on local legal issues
• Education and research that drives innovation
The Australian channel community may not be able to tackle all these initiatives right out of the gate. In fact, the members themselves will elect a leadership team and vote to prioritise potential projects. CompTIA will provide the forum and a director to support their efforts, but the onus for driving priorities and individual work groups will be on the community leaders.
That local peer-determined and executed formula has worked well in the US, Canada and in the UK; leading to the creation of a long list of channel-enabling resources. From IT channel business credentials and training programs, to sales and marketing tools that providers can use to increase their revenue, CompTIA’s communities have been quite productive. The peer networking opportunities alone are worth the time investment, especially for those interested in improving their connections and gathering industry best practice that they can implement in their own organisations.
Interested in learning more about our plans for Australia or how your company can benefit by joining in our efforts? Send me an email at JHamilton@comptia.org.
Jim Hamilton is vice president of member communities for CompTIA
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