CompTIA replaces channel best practice standards

CompTIA is revamping its channel standards certification programme. The new CompTIA Channel Standards programme – available to all at no cost – was unveiled at the CompTIA Annual Member Meeting.

CompTIA will continue to offer its IT Business Trustmark, Managed Services Trustmark and Managed Print Trustmark, but will be retiring the CompTIA Security Trustmark+, Cloud Trustmark+ and AccredITUK Trustmark+.

Members that have earned a Trustmark can maintain their accreditation and use the mark indefinitely, as long as they remain a CompTIA member in good standing.

“Our new standards will provide channel partners and channel companies with blueprints for best practices within the IT channel and undoubtedly lead to a stronger, healthier industry as a whole,” said Nancy Hammervik, senior vice president, industry relations, CompTIA.

“The introduction of CompTIA Channel Standards is a testimony to the larger role CompTIA and its members play in advancing the IT industry and inspiring minds around the world to do more, learn more and be more.”

As the next evolution of CompTIA’s Trustmarks programme, the CompTIA Channel Standards were developed in collaboration with IT professionals, industry thought leaders and technology experts, said the organisation. They include an extensive library of principles and best practices for improving the relevance, quality and consistency of service delivery within the IT industry, and are designed to help businesses and IT professionals alike establish specific performance requirements for continual process improvement, said CompTIA.

“CompTIA is committed to ensuring that the whole of the IT channel is upholding highest business standards,” said Kristian Wright, ‎managing director, Inbay and chair of the CompTIA UKCC Executive Council.

“CompTIA’s new standards provide a new transparent benchmark that IT businesses can work towards to achieve business excellence. They will also help serve as a reference for IT customers to ensure they are getting the best service when purchasing new solutions.”

The first in a series of CompTIA Channel Standards is the IT Solution Provider Standard. Available this month, the new IT Solution Provider Standard provides channel partners with a systematic guide to becoming a trusted IT advisor, outlining business practices for the core operational, management and delivery functions of an IT services firm.

Included in the written documentation and training are a standards workbook providing an overview of best practices for each standard.

Throughout 2016, CompTIA will introduce additional Channel Standards focused on managed services, managed print services, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

CompTIA Channel Standards are available to CompTIA Registered Users, Premier Members and non-members at no cost.

“We’re making these important tools available to everyone as a guide for process improvement and differentiation,” continued Hammervik. “By taking an ‘open book’ approach, CompTIA is empowering the IT channel with the knowledge and ability to see an immediate and positive change in their business that will spread throughout the industry and extend to the customers they serve.”

@AntonySavvas