The VAR Guy

Numerous anecdotes suggest that managed service providers (MSPs) are holding up better than traditional resellers in the recession. Now, CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) is backing up those assumptions with research. Here’s a look at some of CompTIA’s latest findings about the MSP industry.

During the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference in Dallas, I spoke with CompTIA VP Robert Biddle. We discussed the CompTIA Security Trustmark accreditation, which is designed for VARs, managed service providers, solutions providers, IT vendors and end-users. Biddle explained the difference between security certification and security accreditation, and he provided some clues about where CompTIA is heading next with its accreditation programs.

 

 Podcast: Security Accreditation for VARs and MSPs [7:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In separate but similar initiatives, Avnet Technology Solutions (the value-added distributor) and CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) are striving to connect solutions providers with IT projects fueled by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which totals nearly $800 billion. Here’s a look at the Avnet and CompTIA efforts.

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) and its SoftwareCEO portal have issued a research report showing a substantial drop in high-tech mergers, acquisitions and IPOs. The stats didn’t surprise The VAR Guy. But the findings are a timely, interesting read nonetheless. When will the high-tech IPO market improve? The VAR Guy offers a guess — along with a look at three companies poised to test the IPO waters.

CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) has updated its Network+ certification exam for 2009. The association says more than 235,000 IT professionals are Network+ certified. Alas, The VAR Guy isn’t one of them. But perhaps it’s time for our resident blogger to brush up on his skills…

The VAR Guy hears OnForce will give away Nintendo Wiis at CompTIA Breakaway next week. Our mystery blogger by day (and video game addict by night) will stop by the OnForce booth — with open arms and empty hands — to say hi. (Are wii clear?) Kidding aside, here are five things The VAR Guy wants to hear from OnForce at Breakaway.

The VAR Guy has been on the road non-stop in recent weeks. He’s blogging live from F5 Networks’ partner summit this week, before heading to CompTIA Breakaway (Aug. 5-7, Orlando) and LinuxWorld (Aug. 4-7, San Francisco). What does The VAR Guy expect to see? And does our resident blogger ever stop working long enough to go home? Here are some answers.