Get insights on the significant acquisition of CompTIA by H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo and its impact on the channel.

John Harden of Auvik shares insights that underscore the importance of community building, strategic engagement, and prioritization for MSPs looking to grow and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

In this special episode, join ChannelPro’s traveling reporter Joel Zaidspiner as he interviews MJ Shoer, CompTIA’s Chief Community Officer.

CompTia’s CCF 2024 event is a wrap, and it was three-days of announcements, panel discussions, workshops, and peer networking. There was cake, too.

Sirihaasa Nallamothu, a graduate of University High School in Normal, IL, received the annual scholarship award that’s named in memory of ChannelPro’s former executive editor and champion of women in tech.

The new certification aims to bring a positive shift in the overall organizational security culture of the MSP community

Named in honor of a former ChannelPro executive editor, the award will grant $5,000 to a talented young woman looking to start a career in technology.

The new credential aims to help MSPs earn third-party validation that they employ rigorous best practices to ensure the safety of their own environment and end user environments, according to CompTIA’s Wayne Selk (pictured).

The goal of the program is to provide a career pathway to high-paying jobs and economic mobility for participants.

Live from this year’s CompTIA ChannelCon event in Chicago, Joel Zaidspiner brings you the latest from Infosec, IronVest, Linode, and Phin Security.

The five honorees were recognized for demonstrating industry leadership and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The new policy is aimed at eliminating a barrier that has kept some MSPs from joining the threat intelligence sharing group, according to Chief Community Officer MJ Shoer (pictured), speaking at the association’s Communities and Councils Forum.

Named after a former ChannelPro executive editor who passed away five years ago, the award will grant $5,000 to a talented young woman looking to start a career in technology.

IT Industry Outlook sees solid optimism; identifies 10 trends likely to shape the tech business and employment environment in the new year

Signature training program for aspiring IT professionals comes to Raleigh

New thinking on cybersecurity policies, processes, people and products are necessary for organizations to reverse perceptions, and perhaps realities, that they are falling behind in their preparedness, a new report from CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce, asserts.

ISAO members gain access to SophosLabs Intelix for rapid analysis of known and zero-day cybersecurity threats

15 months after its launch, CompTIA’s ambitious security information sharing and analysis organization is issuing some 50 actionable alerts a month to over 1,120 members based on expert analysis of threat intelligence from across the industry.

Cybersecurity, managed services market leaders add expertise in the fight against cyber threats

The goal of the award, named after the former ChannelPro Executive Editor, is to help a talented young woman with an interest in technology launch an education in IT.

At its Communities & Councils Forum this week, the IT community is urging members to ready themselves for challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic world.

CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the global technology industry and workforce, today announced the creation of a new technology interest group (TIG) on blockchain.

Influential leaders from seven fast-growing sectors of the technology market have been selected to serve on the CompTIA Advisory Councils Executive Board in 2021, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce announced today.

“We are fortunate to have so many industry leaders willing to share their expertise for the betterment of the entire industry,” said Annette Taber, CompTIA’s senior vice president,  industry and public sector outreach.

14 executives named to Executive Advisory Council

Speakers at a virtual meeting of the membership organization’s Advancing Women in Technology interest group discussed the reasons so few women hold tech jobs at present, and the keys to correcting that imbalance.

Technology is embedded in just about everything we do – from starting our cars to mobile orders at our favorite coffee shop to connecting with colleagues and clients. As an aspiring or current technology professional, you can choose from a wide range of opportunities. †In the United States alone, there are about 750,000 tech jobs that go unfilled each year …. mostly due to a lack of qualified candidates. With the right skills and a learning mindset, one can having a thriving career.

Technology is embedded in just about everything we do—from starting our cars to mobile orders at our favorite coffee shop to connecting with colleagues and clients. As an aspiring or current technology professional, you can choose from a wide range of opportunities. In the United States alone, there are about 750,000 tech jobs that go unfilled each year, mostly due to a lack of qualified candidates. With the right skills and a learning mindset, one can have a thriving career.

Annual report from leading industry association identifies 10 trends to watch

With Gary Bixler, Yvette Steele, Rachel McGuiness, Susanne Tedrick, Karl Palachuk, and Jill Chapman

The channel communities will soon award free CompTIA A+ certification scholarships to three current or aspiring tech professionals. Nominations are being accepted through September 28th.

With Yvette Steele, Paige Reh, Cal Jackson, Cassandra Allen, Susanne Tedrick

With Yvette Steele, Rachel McGuiness, Susanne Tedrick, Karl Palachuk, and Jill Chapman

Initially spearheaded by ConnectWise, the group now known as the CompTIA ISAO will strive to protect channel pros, vendors, and their customers from cybercrime by collecting and disseminating details about the latest threats.

Four women recognized for their excellence in leadership and mentorship, along with a willingness to take on new challenges, are the winners of the 2020 Spotlight Awards presented by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the global technology industry.

The CompTIA Spotlight Award winners for 2020 are:

Caitlyn McCaughran, global events manager, Auvik Networks

Hannah O’Donnell, director of sales, Collabrance

Deborah Kestin-Schildkraut, global blockchain ecosystem marketing leader, IBM

SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), a leading business process services company, today announced that Bob Stegner, Senior Vice President, Marketing, North America, has been named to the CompTIA IT Hall of Fame in recognition of the decades-long impact he has had on the IT industry.

With Amiel Harper and Delia Gutierrez McLaughlin

With Karl Palachuk and Caroline Smith.

Group is focused on promoting the business value of the technology channel

Summer Classes Begin July 13; Tuition Grants Available

Plug-and-play curriculum allows non-technical teachers to deliver tech education to students

Tuition Grants Available to Help Adults Train for New Tech Careers; Summer Classes Begin June 22

With Amiel Harper and Delia Gutierrez McLaughlin

Testing and scheduling available today

Leading IT industry association also readying ‘anytime, anywhere’ testing option

Free eLearning option available to students, idled and laid-off workers, career changers and anyone interested in learning more about tech

Use the advice in this free infographic from CompTIA and Semel Consulting to help telecommuting newbies reduce their exposure to online risks.

Initiative launched by ConnectWise handed off to leading vendor-neutral industry association

Free resource from leading technology industry association features comprehensive information on in-demand employment opportunities

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cybersecurity specialization and services linked to the Internet of Things lead the next wave of technology offerings from managed services providers (MSPs), according to a new report from CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global information technology (IT) industry.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global information technology (IT) industry, today announced the creation of a new community committed to help increase the diversity, size and skill level of the industry’s workforce.

Studies show that companies that prioritize more diverse and inclusive workforces elevate the effectiveness of their businesses, the satisfaction of employees and their overall success. It’s a foundation that CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity community strives to teach.

Bowie, MD – December 18, 2019 – ID Agent, the leading threat intelligence and identity monitoring provider, announced today that Chief Marketing Officer Dana Liedholm has been elected to CompTIA’s IT Security Community Executive Council.

Leading industry associations will collaborate on programs and strategies to accelerate the delivery of highly skilled talent to the tech workforce

Texas capital leads list of metro areas where IT job opportunities intersect with quality of life factors

Credential validates acumen needed to make informed cloud service decisions

Oct 22, 2019

Downers Grove, Ill. – Information technology (IT) channel companies are increasing their involvement with emerging technologies and actively seeking new partnering opportunities as they strive to maintain their market relevance, according to new research from CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global technology industry.

Sep 19, 2019

Tech industry leaders will offer co-skilled certification badge for tech support skills

Downers Grove, Ill. – Technology industry leaders CompTIA and Google’s Grow with Google initiative to create economic opportunities, are teaming up to address growing employer demand for tech support specialists.

Report reveals strong customer satisfaction and untapped market potential

Technologies still emerging today will be mainstream elements of the IT landscape before you know it, warned CompTIA exec Todd Thibodeaux (pictured) and others at the industry association’s 2019 ChannelCon event this week.

Recognized at the industry association’s 2019 ChannelCon show, the four honorees include this year’s recipient of a scholarship named after former ChannelPro Executive Editor Cecilia Galvin, who died two years ago.

Companies doing business in the information technology (IT) industry channel are making modest progress to improve their customer experience strategies, according to a new research report published by†CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global technology industry.

Deep learning analytics platform will provide robust security, analytics and psychometrics for remotely proctored, Internet-delivered exams

HP executive Gordon Pelosse leads board of world’s leading technology industry association

Government affairs executive with more than two decades experience in tech and telecom will lead CompTIA’s federal and state advocacy programs

The awards for women in or entering IT is one element of a larger campaign aimed at motivating young people to help close the gap between tech workers needed and tech workers available, according to CompTIA exec Nancy Hammervik (pictured).

Sarah Johnson, the first-ever winner of an award named after former ChannelPro Executive Editor Cecilia Galvin that goes to young women interested in technology, is putting both the funding and the vote of confidence she received to good use in college.

National School Boards Association commission recommendations aim to close skills gaps affecting many industries

Sponsored by the membership organization’s Advancing Women in Technology community, the program includes a scholarship named in memory of former ChannelPro Executive Editor Cecilia Galvin.

The second annual gathering gives participants an opportunity to explore and discuss pressing issues and opportunities in the tech industry today, as well as formulate initiatives for the future.

Survey 650 US SMBs also explores spending trends and engagement with emerging tech

Financial returns will be impacted by the complexity of deployments, need for new skills and security considerations

CompTIA, the leading technology industry association, launched a new version of its flagship†CompTIA A+†certification, featuring a greater emphasis on the problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to operate today’s enterprise networks.

CompTIA, the world’s leading technology industry association and the top provider of vendor-neutral skills certifications for technology professionals around the globe, has launched a†new digital badging program†for its certification holders.

IT training industry veteran Al Nasturzio leads association’s efforts

CompTIA resources can help you get started

New technologies, customer demands for vertical industry specialization and expanding competition are driving rapid changes in the tech ecosystem, according to a new report released by†CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global technology industry.

Targeted at students, adult learners, career changers, and others interested in learning more about the pillars of today’s technology

New, single exam features updated subject matter and performance-based questions

Comprehensive self-paced training program prepares learners for leading cybersecurity credential

Leading tech industry association expands portfolio of cybersecurity skills certifications

They include Sarah Johnson, pictured left, a recent high school graduate and technology enthusiast who received the first CompTIA/ChannelPro Cecilia Galvin Scholarship Award, which is named after ChannelPro’s former executive editor.

At the IT membership association’s annual conference, now taking place in Washington, D.C., President and CEO Todd Thibodeaux spoke about his own personal journey as part of a new initiative aimed at bringing more young people and adults into the tech industry.

With cloud computing firmly entrenched in current IT operations, organizations are turning their focus to optimized architectures and using the cloud as an enabler for new and emerging technologies, according to a†new report†from†CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association.

Sponsored by the membership organization’s Advancing Women in Technology community, the program includes a scholarship named in memory of former ChannelPro Executive Editor Cecilia Galvin, who passed away last year.

Future industry leaders will be recognized at CompTIA ChannelCon 2018

Performance-based credential validates competencies in advanced cybersecurity skills

Vice President of HTG Peer Groups for ConnectWise Will Share 30 Years of Channel Experience

Acquires award-winning learning resources firm gtslearning

Purchases comprehensive CompTIA certification content portfolio from Logical Operations

Launches CompTIA Official Content strategy

Credential is the only industry certification that covers both wired and wireless networks

Credential designed for cybersecurity pros responsible for penetration testing

Artificial intelligence, blockchain and virtual / augmented reality are helping organizations with digital transformation

More teenagers, especially girls, are open to the possibility of a career in information technology (IT), according to a new research report released today by†CompTIA, the leading technology industry association.

CompTIA, the leader in†vendor-neutral skills certifications†for the IT workforce, said it has updated its†CompTIA Security+†certification exam to reflect the changing and expanding responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index Bounces Back in Q3.

A re-tooled version of the Association of Information Technology Professionals, which CompTIA acquired in January, the new organization seeks to connect current and would-be technicians with businesses in search of IT employees.

Todd Thibodeaux said SMBs have a huge role to play in developing a strong, diverse entry-level layer in the tech workforce.

The community seeks to support and promote workforce diversity throughout the industry.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., May 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –†Executives from finance, marketing, sales, logistics, and other departments and business lines play an increasingly central role in the evaluation, purchase and use of technology solutions, according to a new report released today by CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association.

†

May 03, 2017
Washington, D.C. – Exports of product and services by the U.S. technology industry totaled an estimated $309 billion in 2016, according to a new analysis released today by CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association.
The CompTIA Tech Trade Snapshot shows that 2016 exports decreased slightly from 2015. Even with the modest year-over-year decline tech remains one of the largest sectors for exports in the U.S. economy.
In 2016, an estimated $202 billion in U.S. tech products were exported, or about 14 percent of all manufacturing exports. Tech trailed only transportation and motor vehicles (19 percent) in manufacturing exports.
“Exports account for approximately $1 out of every $4 generated in the nation’s tech industry; and directly support 40 percent of tech manufacturing jobs,” noted Elizabeth Hyman, executive vice president, public advocacy, CompTIA.
Tech services accounted for another $107 billion in 2015 exports, the most recent year of available government data. That was good for second place among all industries, behind only travel services.
Tech services continue to capture a larger share of U.S. tech exports, more than doubling since 2005 and now exceeding 34 percent of total tech exports.
“Technology services, including software development services, have accounted for a growing share of industry revenues and new job growth over the past several years,” said Tim Herbert, senior vice president, research and market intelligence, CompTIA.
“The U.S. ran a trade surplus of $32 billion in tech services for the most recent year of available data, which is a testament to the strength and expertise of U.S. tech companies in helping customers around the globe implement and manage digital business transformation initiatives,” Herbert added.
In the aggregate, the U.S. ran a trade deficit in tech manufactured goods in 2016. Imports of these products totaled $373 billion, down slightly from the previous year. Factors such as macroeconomic conditions, currency exchange rates and customer demand inevitably play a role in trade balances.
Additionally, the rise of data localizations and regulatory developments enacted by various countries can reduce the competitiveness of U.S. companies overseas.
“These measures restrict trade and impact tech exports,” Hyman said. “Developing global rules that eliminate these trade barriers is a top priority for CompTIA and our members.”
The CompTIA Tech Trade Snapshot is based on an analysis of import and export data from the U.S. Office of Trade Policy and Analysis, U.S. International Trade Administration and Bureau of Economic Analysis. The complete report is available at CompTIA Insight & Tools.
CompTIA: Building the Foundation for Technology’s FutureThe Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world’s leading technology association, with approximately 2,000 member companies, 3,000 academic and training partners, over 100,000 registered users and more than two million IT certifications issued. CompTIA’s unparalleled range of programs foster workforce skills development and generate critical knowledge and insight – building the foundation for technology’s future. Visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to learn more.†
Contact:Preston Grishampgrisham@comptia.org202-682-4458
Steven Ostrowskisostrowski@comptia.org630-678-8468

The IT association’s Business Applications Advisory Council will examine the new realities of the technology marketplace.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association and the leading provider of vendor-neutral skills certifications for technology professionals, today launched a new, secure online testing option for its certification exams.

The CSA+ training program and exam are designed to help technicians mitigate the risks posed by signature-less malware by scrutinizing network data for tell-tale signs of vulnerability and infection.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association, has launched the CompTIA Advisory Council on Cybersecurity (CACC) to address many of the most pressing cybersecurity concerns facing businesses and government.

Quick Start Guides focus on contracts, hiring, marketing, and M&A activities

Charles Eaton Named Executive VP, Social Innovation, CompTIA

Based on the Association of Information Technology Professionals, which CompTIA has acquired, the new entity will seek to help channel partners and corporate technology departments alike by inspiring young people to pursue careers in IT.

Dec 15, 2016

Downers Grove, Ill. – The nation’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) see technology as a primary factor in meeting business objectives even though some have mixed feelings about the return on their investment in tech, according to a new report from CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association.

Channel partners send mixed signals about their business prospects in the cloud.

Available free to members and non-members, the latest additions to CompTIA’s Channel Standards library draw on the collected experience and wisdom of CompTIA and its members.

Providers in the U.S. are optimistic on revenue, pessimistic about margins, and losing sleep over cloud computing, according to the results of a newly published research study.

The second annual summit will explore trends, challenges, and opportunities for the channel.

The community sessions will focus on sharing best practices and business challenges at the “Breaking Boundaries” event, which also features CompTIA Executive Certificate courses, specialty tracks in sales and leadership, community and council sessions, plus Tracks4Techs.

The new standard provides best-practice guidance on improving the consistency, quality, and relevance of IT service delivery.

The new offerings include Quick Start Guide to Education IT, Quick Start e-Learning options, and on-demand Executive Certificate courses.

The InfoTech Law Advocates Legal Help Desk aims to simplify legal services for channel partners.

The new program provides organizations and IT professionals with greater access to important industry best practices.

The new structure is designed to align more closely with key segments of the IT market.

The CompTIA CyberSecure training course is designed to educate employees on best practices for reducing cybersecurity risks in the workplace.

Attendees of Continuum’s user conference can receive an Executive Certificate in Cloud (Intermediate) or Executive Certificate in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery from CompTIA for free.

The company will showcase the MC873dnc color MFP as well as other devices in its growing portfolio at the event.

The exams include up-to-date content on Linux technologies in cloud environments, data centers, security, and more.

More than 250 member volunteer leaders are meeting to discuss channel issues and develop plans to help advance the industry.

The Business Model Benchmark assessment tool aims to help technology solution providers build strong foundations for long-term success.

The new business-level IT credential aims to help channel partners easily identify best-practice cloud vendors and distributors.

The new community brings together the IT industry’s multi-generational workforce and promotes greater collaboration among Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.

The new CompTIA Legal Services Program provides premier members with access to core legal services by InfoTech Law Advocates (ITLA).

According to the IT industry association’s “Fifth Annual Trends in Cloud Computing” study, more than 9 in 10 companies use some form of cloud computing today.

Web-based tool enables technology providers to create a comprehensive security profile for their customers.

Collaboration with network for IT professionals expands access to the online learning solution.

Study finds customer satisfaction levels high, but awareness still an issue.

At the future-themed partnering and training event, CompTIA rolled out a variety of educational and training resources and a new advisory council designed to take the pulse of the changing IT workforce.

The respected technology credential signifies commitment to industry best practices and a high level of customer service.

Association introduces online learning tool to prepare learners for IT certifications and careers.

The combined entity will retain CompTIA’s name, brand, leadership, and board of directors, with a member from TechAmerica’s board joining the team.

The new model offers a free engagement level for individuals, additional benefits for premier members, and a redesigned website.

The CompTIA certification serves as a prerequisite for entry into Fiberlink’s MaaS360 Partner Academy.

Customers who have adopted managed service are satisfied with results, but there’s room for additional market penetration.

CompTIA and its partners launch contests for IT providers as the number of A+ certifications awarded approaches 1 million.

The skills certification standard covers knowledge and skillsets required by channel pros in the deployment, integration, support, and management of a mobile environment.

The TAC was formed to facilitate telecommunications-related cooperation among IT firms and channel VARs.

The Advanced Security Practitioner certification has been added by the Department of Defense as an option for workforce participants conducting information assurance functions.

The group will address mobile technology challenges as well as opportunities for the IT channel.

The CompTIA Managed Print Trustmark is designed to qualify and differentiate VARs providing on-premise print services via a managed services business model.

Exam vouchers and training materials are available now via the CompTIA Marketplace. Previous versions will remain available through Aug. 31, 2013.

The global benchmark validates that the two organizations operate in a consistent, comparable, and reliable manner worldwide.

The group continues its efforts to empower women pursuing careers in the IT field.

Research shows that cloud services are growing within the channel, and opportunities to consult and integrate are on the rise. By Rich Freeman

At CompTIA Breakaway 2012, cloud computing and employee recruitment were at the forefront of discussion. By Rich Freeman

The goal of the “Cloud Check — What’s Your Next Move?” program is to elevate IT service providers’ ability to gain entry into the cloud or improve their own cloud business.

The new training program includes an upcoming study on the benefits and challenges of mobility in the workplace.

The advocacy forum is designed to bring members of the IT channel community together with key government officials, opening up dialogue on a wide range of issues.

The new Global IT Workforce Council will be made up of organization members as well as IT, academic, and government leaders with a shared need for IT talent.

More than 1000 IT channel partner attendees are being encouraged to sharpen their business problem solving skills, rather than focusing too much on technology.

Panel discussions, a training session, and a keynote address on the topic of IT channel opportunities in the SMB healthcare sector have been included in the CompTIA Breakaway 2011 lineup.

Community manager Kirk Smallwood and chairman Ken Thoreson discuss the IT Business Growth Professionals Group and how it can benefit IT service providers, including educational training, live events, and a mentoring program. By Elaine Hom

During the recent CompTIA Annual Member Meeting, the revamped HOF was rolled out and 2011 inductees were honored, including Earl Pace, Phil Katz, and the CompTIA A Originators team.

The non-profit IT trade association hopes to create channel and partnership enablement education with the new Unified Communications Community.

The trade organization designed and launched the online forum as a means of providing channel pros with the resources needed to expand into healthcare IT.

The organization announces a new series of educational programs for the IT channel.

Research VP at CompTIA makes the jump from consumers to resellers and focuses on arming the association’s members with data to help them succeed.

The trade association’s new development initiative is expected to make SBA benefits and programs more accessible to small technology companies and high-tech entrepreneurs.

Access to research, education, networking programs, and more are now available for just $20 per month.

Trade organization partners with Element K to deliver a broad range of Web-based education programs.

Vouchers for the Strata IT Tech exam are being distributed by ITCareerPro.

Winning companies were selected by the 400-plus channel pros attending the organization’s annual Breakaway conference.

Aim of the new multivendor online community is to enable manufacturing vendors and channel partners to capitalize on technology solution sales to accelerate growth and increase revenues.

HP, ExamForce, and others are recognized for supporting the program, which provides free IT training and certification to those historically under-represented in the industry. By Cecilia Galvin

October event aims to “further the industry-wide adoption of managed services.”

U.S. Representative Darrell Issa to address attendees.

Stormy financial weather for IT pros? Not if they’re managed services providers, who are better able to generate cash flow and avoid wild quarter-to-quarter income fluctuations. By Liam Lahey

Business-level accreditation validates use of industry accepted best practices for security.

The free webinar on Thursday, March 5, helps you identify opportunities relevant to your business; understand how changes in the federal tax code can benefit your company; and more.

The special report concludes software firms must shape up and prepare to be acquired or go under in 2009.

Get insights into channel news for the week ending April 2 from Cisco, Alvaka and Ingram Micro, N-able, Sophos, and more.

Stay on top of compliance changes in the MSP industry. Use this checklist to monitor regulatory shifts and protect your business and clients.

Get insights into this week’s news on cybersecurity services and more from SonicWall, CrowdStrike, Syncro, IBM, and others.

Day 2 at ESET World 2025 made one thing clear: MSPs must move fast, lead with purpose, and turn cybersecurity from a service into a strategic advantage.

As your MSP grows, your cybersecurity approach must mature at the same time. If it doesn’t, the consequences can be severe.

The application deadline is approaching for the Cecilia Galvin Scholarship. The program celebrates and inspires future tech leaders.

ChannelPro’s new Partner in Excellence Award recognizes leaders from across the country. Who will win in your city?

“The security incident in 2019 that led to our decision to become a MSSP also helped us grow.”

Florida technology professionals joined ChannelPro to share business best practices, peer networking, and more.

To improve efficiency and maximize profitability, MSPs must embrace automation, streamline workflows, and invest in upskilling their teams to deliver exceptional service with less effort.

Stay ahead of the curve with a future-ready workforce. Learn how to adapt and create an agile IT team that can tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Leadership shakeups, bold acquisitions, and groundbreaking launches — this week’s channel headlines prove the tech industry isn’t slowing.

Uncover the story of Cybernetics Global and how its strategic IT support helps businesses thrive in the age of digital transformation.

From major acquisitions to new products, this week’s channel headlines roundup highlights what MSPs needs to know.

Discover the game-changing tech trends and actionable insights MSPs need to stay ahead, drive growth, and tackle 2025’s biggest challenges head-on.

Launch Your MSP: Discover the secrets to building a profitable IT business from scratch with expert tips on strategy, tools, and marketing to ensure long-term success!

Research shows holiday cyber scams are up 600%. Discover key tips to protect your clients, learn about new MSP tools, and ten more can’t-miss stories!

Read about the latest updates from ConnectWise, Ingram Micro, SonicWall, CompTIA, Moovila, and more.

Ready for more tech news, industry insights, and partner program announcements? Get a quick look at all the headlines.

Uncover the truth about security threats targeting MSPs and learn how to fortify against malicious actors.

Do you just apply for awards and hope to be selected? That’s not a great strategy. Kris Blackmon offers some enlightening advice.

Learn more about the recent ASCII Edge Conference in Toronto and the channel vendors that took home gold.

Attendees discovered the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques at ChannelPro DEFEND: East. Here are some event highlights.

TechBay USA for 20 years has delivered high-quality services and resolved problems for businesses in Central Florida. The company’s owner shares how it all started, where it’s headed, and more.

MSPs are using Generative AI to take analytics-based decision making to an entirely new level.

Register now for ChannelPro DEFEND: East in Islen, NJ, on Aug 7 and 8 for unparalleled cybersecurity learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities.

Take your team’s skills to the next level with these key tips for practical learning for managed services providers.

After two days highly impactful days, this year’s ASCII Edge event in Chicago concluded with the much-anticipated announcement of award winners.

Obtain relevant technology industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and others relevant to your services. Regularly attend training sessions, […]

Staff augmentation has emerged as an IT staffing solution for many companies, helping MSPs equip their SMB clients with the right IT talent exactly when they need it.

New Jersey was the latest stop on the road show that seeks to help services providers grow their businesses by investigating new recurring revenue opportunities, exploring new partnerships, and learning about the latest industry trends.

Not many industries can rival technology in terms of their impact on society.

Here’s our a roundup of career changes in the IT services industry for Q1 of 2024. N2WS Announces Alon Maimoni as its new chief revenue officer (CRO) Key quote from the […]

The 40-year-old membership-based community of independent North American managed service providers stopped in Texas as part of its ASCII Edge series of events.

The vendors were awarded for their unwavering commitment in partnering with the ASCII community for 20 years or more.

The ASCII group introduces the Channel Legacy Partnership Awards at ASCII Edge Events 2024.

The live event on Feb. 28-29 brought together a full house of managed service providers and IT consultants for networking and business-boosting educational sessions.

Westerheim says when customers hesitate to invest in cybersecurity, telling a compelling story can make the difference.

The industry is changing, which brings more scrutiny as well as opportunities to MSPs.

Contrary to popular myth, workers in the 55-plus talent pool make great IT employees, in both technical and nontechnical roles.

Why hiring military veterans often is a winning proposition services providers and for all involved.

ChannelPro DEFND Conference connected vendors with the MSP community.

With a strong contingent of local MSPs and VARs in attendance, ChannelPro’s regional conference wowed with informative sessions, channel insights, and extended networking opportunities.

Netzbahn’s strategy for long-term success is built on a foundation of responding to change with reinvention.

As technology continues to expand across every aspect of our business and personal lives, these key statistics highlight the rapid growth and future potential of the tech landscape.

We take a closer look at CompTIA’s top 5 ethical issues in tech for 2024.

The one-day, in-person regional conference featured top tech trends and educational sessions designed to drive opportunity for MSPs and VARs that serve small and medium-size businesses.

The ASCII Edge MSP event gathered Canadian managed service and IT solution providers for two days of business-building education and networking.

Security news from Cisco and SentinelOne, new execs for Lenovo and Pax8, a resale pact for Konica Minolta and Epson, and an unexpectedly informative robot overlord are among the many stories we took our slow, summer-speed time bringing to you.

The one-day, in-person regional conference featured top tech trends and educational sessions designed to drive opportunity for MSPs and VARs that serve small and medium-size businesses.

At CompTIA’s conference in Las Vegas last week, ChannelPro’s Joel Zaidspiner caught up with iiiQ, Shield Cyber, and Phin Security.

Sirihaasa Nallamothu, the 2023 CompTIA ChannelPro Cecilia Galvin Scholarship Winner, aspires to put computer science and machine learning to work solving chronic illnesses.

The third of this year’s four online summits explored AI trends, biometrics, BDR best practices, and more, all through the lens of a layered cybersecurity strategy.

New perspectives and diverse mindsets are needed to stay ahead of evolving attacks, yet diversity in cybersecurity remains woefully inadequate.

Potential liability, financial penalties, and your ability to get insurance are reasons why MSPs need to pay attention as the new cybersecurity strategy moves through the political process.

Real-time threat intelligence is a must-have for protecting clients, and you don’t have to be an enterprise-size MSP to benefit from an Information Sharing and Analysis Organization. (ISAO).

Under scrutiny from federal and state agencies, TikTok potentially poses a cybersecurity risk and a liability concern for individuals working in regulated sectors, according to experts.

The two-day conference series, designed to help MSPs grow business, featured strategy sessions on operations, technology, leadership, marketing, and sales.

The integration enables MSPs to manage business continuity and disaster recovery through a single dashboard.

The two-day, in-person regional conference featured insight from industry thought leaders and educational sessions designed to drive opportunity for MSPs and VARs that serve small and medium-size businesses.

AI from Microsoft, passwordless SASE from Cytracom, mobile security from Bitdefender, and an illustration from Maryland of the consequences of being careless about DNS renewals are but a few of the stories we’ve finally gotten around to for you.

At the third annual ReCON, Blackpoint Cyber execs highlighted the state of the MSP/MSSP and provided details on the new Managed Application Control offering and the go-live date for Blackpoint University

InTech Solutions offers cybersecurity compliance as a program, keeping clients aligned with an evolving world of regulations and growing its own recurring revenue.

Here’s what experts consider table stakes for backup and storage today, and how MSPs can help customers make the right choices and increase recurring revenue at the same time.

The two-day, in-person regional conference featured insight from industry thought leaders and educational sessions designed to drive opportunity for MSPs and VARs that serve small and medium-size businesses.

Cybersecurity company Blackpoint Cyber has launched Blackpoint University, a new learning platform to empower MSPs to mature their core business operations. Blackpoint University will offer sales and technical cybersecurity training, with instruction by leaders from the military, intelligence, and business communities.

The second of this year’s four online summits took a deep dive into all things security in sessions led by industry experts who revealed how to turn threats into profits.

When it comes to DEI, leaders and others in privileged groups who aspire to be part of the solution must understand and pursue allyship.

Nero Consulting invested early in solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to proactively prevent cyber attacks.

Juicers easily squeeze out every last drop for your breakfast OJ. Unfortunately, there’s no machine for squeezing out every last drop of margin from your solutions, but you’ll get some sound ideas on how to do just that when you hear Matt, Colleen Frye, and Reilly Scull of Macktez discuss JumpCloud’s solution for identity transformation and tackle what it takes to build an MRR service around smart home sensors.

Jim Hamilton (pictured) will be responsible for helping MSPs already familiar with Cytracom’s UCaaS platform learn how to market its all-in-one networking and security solution too.

The two-day, in-person regional conference featured insight from industry thought leaders and educational sessions designed to drive opportunity for MSPs and VARs serving small and medium-size businesses.

Hybrid and remote work persist in 2023, but many organizations are still struggling to secure their multicloud and hybrid cloud environments. MSPs can help bridge the gap.

For some employees, the ability to be open about their faith is an important component of “”bringing their whole selves”” to work.

The two-day, in-person regional conference featured industry thought leaders and a lineup of educational sessions designed to drive opportunity for the ChannelPro audience of MSPs and VARs.

New laptops from Apple and Lenovo, security goodness from Keeper and Trend Micro, another integration for Gradient MSP, and an unexpected use for ugly sweaters—foiling AI—are a few of the embarrassingly many stories we’re just now bringing your way.

The first of this year’s four online summits brought together the best minds in the industry to guide MSPs on the opportunities and trends in a cloud-first era.

Called Pia aiDesk and first unveiled last year, the new system uses machine learning and natural language processing to help MSPs analyze, route, and resolve level 1 and 2 service tickets automatically.

Use the NCSC-UK warning about working with MSPs as a roadmap to securing your services and contractually protecting your clients.

Managing technicians requires a balancing act of recognition, reward, engagement, and flexibility—all while driving productivity to service customers.

If you make promises in marketing—but don’t validate that your team is delivering—you are lying to yourself and risking legal jeopardy.

Phantom Technology Solutions built its business and accelerated growth by tapping into the collective knowledge of industry peers and vendors.

Erick and Rich discuss why CompTIA’s new Cybersecurity Trustmark fills a need in the channel, why you should consider giving your website a makeover, and why the police shouldn’t need to explain that driving with both windshields covered in snow is illegal.

No one likes problems, everyone likes money, and the two have a habit of going together. Quite a conundrum, no?

AWS news a-plenty, access points from Zyxel, a mobile security awareness app from KnowBe4, and proof that Florida Man has nothing on Florida Woman are among the stories we’re finally reporting now that last week’s tryptophan has finally worn off.

ChannelPro’s 2023 lineup features expanded regional in-person events and online summits, and a first-ever national cybersecurity two-day, in-person conference.

CompTIA’s tech buying trends survey finds SMBs with a generally positive outlook and plans to invest.

Join Joel Zaidspiner in Miami for conversations with ApexaIQ, CompTIA, and Cybrella at the latest Acronis partner conference.

Pileus Technologies builds business and achieves happy customers through a foundation of teamwork.

Data center gear from Lenovo and Dell, firewall upgrades from Sophos, backup cost cutting tech from MSP360, and an eminently fair solution to an election conundrum are among the many stories we’re at long last bringing to your attention.

The nonprofit organization provides cybersecurity training through a variety of partnerships along with career skills and community support.

Announced at the vendor’s IT Nation Connect conference alongside a joint tech apprenticeship program with CompTIA, the pact gives MSPs access to Arrow’s quoting, procurement, billing, and other services from directly inside the ConnectWise platform.

Net Sciences works with only those clients that share its vision of collaborative security to succeed on the modern threat battlefield.

New goodies from Microsoft, Dell, and Google, new integrations from Datto, Gradient MSP, QuoteWerks, and SOCSoter, a new CTO for ConnectWise, and a truly out of this world scam are among the many stories we waited until now to tell you about.

Keeping the people you have is critical at a time when hiring new people is so hard. Here’s what works at N-able, according to Chief People Officer Kathleen Pai (pictured).

New apps from Salesforce, Slack, and NetSuite, an EDR update from Kaspersky, a new title for N-able’s Mike Cullen, and a Happy Meal for grown-ups (toy and all) are among the stories we waited and waited and waited to tell you about until just now.

Erick and Rich discuss why data from CompTIA shows it’s time to talk strategy with your clients, why spending money on new employees can get you higher profits faster, and why the record for highest-altitude soccer game ever played is likely to stand for a while.

ProdigyTeks made a strategic move to pause sales and focus on creating a better customer and tech experience to drive more sustainable growth.

The six-city, two-day conference series designed for managed service providers and integrators headed to the Mid-Atlantic region with a lineup of trending educational topics delivered by industry thought leaders.

Security news from Microsoft, Sophos, and Arcserve, a new channel EVP for Kaseya, and the scariest looking virtual assistant ever made are just some of the many stories we waited way, way too long to tell you about this week.

You know what they say in New Hampshire. Live free or die! Or maybe try the skiing and visit the beaches instead. It’s a lovely place. But before you go, please join Matt, Rich, and returning guest host Randolph Carnegie, of Ken-Kor Consulting, as they discuss Augmentt’s new security alerting functionality, the latest winner of the Cecilia Galvin Scholarship, and the results of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards—live from CompTIA’s ChannelCon event!

Maryann Nwude (pictured), the 2022 winner of an award from CompTIA and ChannelPro for young women starting a career in IT, aspires to introduce more people of color like herself to the worlds of hackathons and AI research.

CIO Landing’s growth strategy of acquisition, franchising, and organic expansion starts by establishing a competitive edge in hiring.

A new managed service partner offer from Cisco and Webex, a DLP solution from Cato Networks, a new channel chief at DataStream, and the one human no bear should ever challenge are among the stories we’re belatedly bringing your way.

Start developing some expertise in DLTs, particularly if your customers are in the logistics, financial, and virtual asset industries.

Discover why SMBs inside and outside IT so often struggle to attract and retain LGBTQ employees, and the simple steps you can take to avoid falling into that trap.

MSPs can foster long-term client relationships through documented processes, value-based communications, and a culture of problem-solving.

NOTE TO MSPs – Business owners and executives often resist making the cybersecurity investments they should, and channel pros often struggle to explain why they need to spend the money on the right amount of cybersecurity to protect their reputations and finances. Here’s a proven way to make the case to your customer for investing in security. Use this article to get both current customers and prospects to understand their risks.

Digitunity launches the Corporate Pledge to End the Digital Divide this month, the nonprofit’s latest effort to achieve digital equity.

Explore the underappreciated contributions to IT and beyond made by the AAPI community, and the equally underappreciated challenges members of that community face at work.

Employers who offer skills training and an inclusive workplace will be better positioned to recruit and hire women for cybersecurity roles.

Incorporate the 12 security action steps issued jointly by five countries in your marketing, proposals, and service offerings.

When shipped later this year, the new offering will let MSPs outsource monitoring and management of Cytracom’s recently introduced ControlOne solution to a third-party SIEM staffed by experienced security analysts.

Retail edge devices from Dell, DaaS from Citrix, enhanced VPN from Bitdefender, and a road sign in desperate need of assistance are among the stories we waited all the way until Friday to tell you about.

Follow these expert tips for finding and hiring the right consultant to build or sustain a diverse workforce.

HP buying Poly, Intel shipping GPUs, record low tech unemployment numbers courtesy of CompTIA, and proof that NOTHING gets between some people and their morning coffee are among the stories we waited until just before the weekend to bring you.

The two-day event features thought leadership and educational sessions designed to keep IT solution providers at the forefront of cybersecurity.

A successful DEI initiative requires a framework to measure and support efforts that go beyond hiring to focus on inclusion and equity as well.

A new partner program from Microsoft, a new access point from Zyxel, a new partnership between Nerdio and IGEL, and a Florida Man story about a guy asking cops to test the authenticity of his meth are among the stories we’ve finally brought your way.

Some matchups are competitive. Others not so much. And when it comes to bacon versus, well, anything, Matt, Rich, and returning guest host Brian Weiss, of ITECH Solutions, are in lockstep agreement.

Turn that frown upside down, channel pros! Most of you have much to celebrate, according to our annual survey.

The MSP of tomorrow must excel in a whole new realm of strategic, consultative services aimed at helping businesses capitalize on the power of cloud-based solutions.

ChannelPro editors select Oli Thordarson, founder and CEO of Alvaka Networks, as the winner of the yearly honor for MSPs and VARs who have shared especially powerful peer-to-peer business advice.

A program of Goodwill Industries of East Texas, the academy offers hands-on MSP training plus myriad skills and certification courses to help participants overcome barriers to employment.

Tech Rage IT’s focus on employee engagement and success delivers a great customer experience, which drives growth.

Use this detailed how-to guide from CompTIA to plan and execute your company’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

ECW Network & IT Solutions put a stake in the cybersecurity ground, is now planting one with cloud, and wants only customers who will take that journey.

Now that new guidance from the DoD makes that clear, will MSPs run and hide, or achieve compliance to earn bigger profits?

CompTIA research finds declining satisfaction with current state of cybersecurity.

BDR from AWS, Azure security from Fortinet, Microsoft 365 subscription management from HP, and a new world record for jumping over cars on a pogo stick from “”Ty-so-Fly”” Phillips (pictured) are but a few of the stories we finally have coming your way.

The ChannelPro SMB Online Forum West gathered MSPs, IT consultants, VARs, and integrators to discuss business strategies and technology trends for a changing workplace.

A new addition to Team GPS, the “business operating system” for MSPs that IT By Design introduced earlier this year, the new module includes tools for gauging employee sentiment and rewarding employee accomplishments.

Ignite news from Microsoft, security news from Kaspersky, VoIP news from Ooma, and random news involving tied elections and golf ball eating gators are among the many items we leave you with as you head towards the end of daylight saving time.

How much money are you making on wiffy these days? I mean, I assume you’re in the wiffy market. It’s huge! Take it from Matt, Rich, and this week’s guest host, Paco Lebron, of MSP ProdigyTeks and the MSP Unplugged podcast.

CMMC 2.0 reduces the levels within the program from five to three, but there is still a big opportunity for MSPs.

New Intel Core chips, a new hyperconverged cyber protection platform from Scale Computing and Acronis, new features from MSP360, and what may be the world’s stupidest hiker all figure in this week’s batch of better-late-than-never news.

Wisdom passed down through generations has helped powersolution.com execute on its vision of building and scaling a security-first business with a great company culture.

Addressing the challenges female workers face is key to hiring and retention.

The ChannelPro SMB Forum Mid-Atlantic gathered MSPs, IT consultants, VARs, and integrators to discuss business strategies and technology trends for a changing workplace.

The two-day event gathers IT service providers to learn about the current attack landscape and ever-evolving threats, business development strategies, and new opportunities.

Isabella Ledet (pictured), this year’s recipient of a grant from CompTIA and ChannelPro designed to help a talented young woman pursue an interest in technology, loves environmental engineering but filmmaking too.

The cybersecurity education company’s Infosec Accelerate Scholarship program provides underrepresented communities resources for career-building.

SabinoCompTech develops deep, trust-based customer relationships by wearing its heart on its sleeve and focusing on people over technology.

Here’s how to use that as a marketing tool by showing managed services clients you’ve adopted CISA’s security recommendations.

The ChannelPro SMB Forum New England gathered MSPs, IT consultants, VARs, and integrators to discuss business strategies and technology trends for a changing workplace.

Called Team GPS, the new solution is designed to help channel pros better manage critical tasks like formulating business plans, monitoring customer satisfaction, and conducting employee performance reviews.

Demand for mining hardware, both GPUs and AISCs, is high, but builders face supply limitations.

A recent survey from CompTIA finds the help desk is being tasked with new duties and is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset.

Folding hardware from Samsung, subscription ink plans from Brother, new CEOs for Barracuda and Palo Alto, and Michigan’s rowdiest pickleball players are among the many stories we waited until just now to tell you about.

Your regular hosts are joined this week by marketing-savvy MSP Ed Correia, of Sagacent Technologies, marketing-savvy consultant (and ID Agent founder) Kevin Lancaster, of The Venture Mentor, and marketing expert (and former Kaseya exec) Matt Solomon, of Channel Halo. So you know you’re going to get some rock-solid marketing advice.

Erick and Rich discuss why hiring good employees is so hard today, why that trend makes retention critical, why you should (almost) never customize service agreements, and why you should also never bite an Olympic gold medal.

The first “”Cloud PCs”” from Microsoft, an XDR alliance from Exabeam, acquisitions by Ivanti and its Wavelink unit, and an Olympics equestrian course that stops horses in their tracks are a few of the many stories we have finally managed to tell you about.

Helping SMBs implement NIST 800-171’s 110 cybersecurity controls can be very profitable now; whatever comes of CMMC will also provide opportunities.

Blanco I.T. prioritizes excellence and commitment in caring for customers and community—a modus operandi that reaps immeasurable returns.

Formed by author and consultant Karl Palachuk (pictured) the National Society of IT Service Providers wants to get channel pros a seat at the table as states begin drafting cybersecurity laws, and to define professional codes of conduct for MSPs as well.

The ChannelPro SMB Forum Southeast gathered MSPs, IT consultants, VARs, and integrators to discuss business strategies and technology trends for a post-pandemic future.

Dedicating full-time analysts to preparing threat intelligence and sharing it with the IT community has been an ambition at Perch since its founding five years ago.

— D&H Adds Capabilities to its Growing MSP “Cloud Cluster,”
Plus Augments Professional Services with Disciplines Such as
Help Desk as a Service (HDaaS) and Managed Device Services —

Product previews from Apple WWDC, a new name for Windows Virtual Desktop, new virtual data protection software from Datto, and a new safety device for “”smartphone zombies”” are all among this week’s better-late-than-never news updates.

ChannelPro made its return to in-person regional events in the Lone Star state where MSPs, IT consultants, VARs, and integrators gathered to discuss business strategies for a post-pandemic future.

Learn how CompTIA’s IT-Ready program can send you trained and eager minority candidates for your next IT job opening.

A panel of industry thought leaders at CompTIA’s recent community meetings examined the impact of 2020’s events on DEI initiatives and why sustainability is key to success.

Azure updates from Microsoft Build, laptops from Acer, and a tasty new use for swarming cicadas are all among the stories we’re sending your way just in time for the holiday weekend.

Company Expands C-Suite, Bolstering Commitment to Deliver MSP Partners Innovative
Communications Solutions for their Small and Medium Business Customers

wiseHer Connects Women with Global Marketplace of Executives, Consultants, Coaches and Mentors

While that war is winnable, emphasizes Datto CISO Ryan Weeks (pictured), a task force contributor, it will take years of coordinated global effort plus either self-imposed or government-mandated MSP regulations.

CDN Technologies has a three-pronged approach to safety: protecting clients, employees, and the MSP business.

A spin-off for VMware, data center chips from NVIDIA, new laptops from Microsoft, and a crime wave involving little plastic bricks are all among the many stories we’ve finally managed to bring your way.

CompTIA’s National Guideline Standards establish the foundation for a new national infrastructure to scale apprenticeships in tech occupations

The new cybersecurity framework will be phased in through 2025, but MSPs can help defense contractors get new contracts now by bringing them into compliance with the DFARS interim rule.

In honor of International Women’s Day, 11 women share good advice given to them in the past on starting or changing a career in IT.

Learn proven techniques for finding a diverse range of job candidates and motivating them to apply for your job openings in this conversation with Paige Reh of solution provider Strategic Communications and CompTIA’s Yvette Steele.

Sherweb, a global cloud solutions provider, announced today the launch of Partner University, a new online training program created exclusively for its partners.

HIPAA Safe Harbor law and DoD’s CMMC interim rule offer huge financial incentives for shoring up cybersecurity—which means cost justification for hiring MSPs.

Alvaka Networks carved a unique identity through an always-on business model and peerless execution that has enabled it to go upmarket.

Google goodies for schools, security goodies from Microsoft, Palo Alto, and Check Point, and a dog now wealthier than its caretaker are among the stories we’re bringing your way despite frozen fingers.

Security updates from PC Matic and Barracuda, new Teams migration features from BitTitan, and research proving that while pigs still can’t fly they can play computer games are among the stories we’ve finally covered for you.

ChannelPro editors select Corey Kirkendoll, president and CEO of 5K Technical Services in Texas, as the winner of the yearly honor for MSPs and VARs who have shared especially powerful peer-to-peer business advice.

IT business owners and industry leaders Sitima Fower of Iconic IT and Amy Kardel of CompTIA share their experiences and advice on getting more women into the pipeline in this thoughtful discussion.

CES goodies and more CES goodies, including a smart dog collar that tells you what Fido is trying to say when he won’t stop yapping, are overrepresented in the embarrassingly tall stack of stories we waited until now to tell you about.

Choose language that is inclusive and showcases your culture, and avoid exhaustive lists of specific skills that may discourage underrepresented candidates.

MSPs can boost traditional revenue streams by extending customers’ hardware and software asset lifecycles, and managing and securing on-prem and cloud-based assets.

ImageNet Consulting aims to offer services that not only help its customers grow, but enhance their customers’ experience too.

Here are 10 risk management strategies to save your reputation, your mind, and your retirement.

Sound fiscal policies and a vision focused on organizational leadership and cultural change are setting up CMIT Solutions of Erie for the future.

Teams apps from Microsoft, a network firewall from AWS, a cookbook (of sorts) from SolarWinds, and a return to space for Baby Yoda are all among the stories we took our sweet time bringing to you this week.

New Macs from Apple, new firewalls from SonicWall, and a new source of nightmares for bears (and maybe humans) are all among the many stories we’re bringing your way just in time for the weekend.

By assuming that workers are trained and following policies, organizations may find out the hard way that they are wrong—and pay the price in penalties for lack of regulatory compliance.

New free upskilling resources for cybersecurity and IT professionals made available to answer increased demand for job training and soaring cyber threats

The annual honors include recognition to the entire channel vendor community for coming to the aid of partners in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

What is unconscious bias, where does it come from, and how does it keep channel pros from realizing their full potential? Find out in this fact-filled insightful conversation with CompTIA’s Yvette Steele.

From recruitment to interviewing and hiring, organizations that prioritize diversity need to be intentional in their pursuit and hold themselves accountable.

Your playbook should include assessing the company’s current state of diversity, setting goals for improvement, acquiring leadership buy-in, and building an action plan.

Each day we make hundreds of decisions influenced by our biases that may be disenfranchising employees who could take our organization to the next level.

The tech industry today is overwhelmingly white and male. Understanding why is where changing that fact begins.

Why creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization isn’t just the right thing to do but the smart thing to do for any channel pro serious about business success.

A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcome for everyone! Take the commitment to promote diversity and inclusion.

QUESTION 1

Diversity and inclusion is new for us. Where do we start?

Look inside and outside your network and partner with training programs to build your team, then invest in developing your people.

Postponed from March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the three-day virtual event featured educational sessions, networking, and lively discussions on the future of the channel.

Wondering how dangerous the cybersecurity landscape is lately? Don’t count malware variants. Count hoodie sales. After all, hackers wear hoodies, so more hoodies means more hackers. It’s simple! Just ask Matt, Rich, and guest host Rory Sanchez, CEO of True Digital Security, who also have thoughts on Kaseya’s new phishing defense solution and pending IPO, RocketCyber’s new managed SOC service, and a new cloud management vendor from the founders of N-able.

Can’t be too safe out there these days, people. Mask those shoes! Then sit back and enjoy this week’s show, in which Matt, Rich, and guest host Carrie Simpson, of MSP marketing service Managed Sales Pros, discuss CompTIA’s new security threat intelligence sharing group, ChannelPro‘s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, and the tricks of the trade for rolling trucks to client sites safely in the era of COVID-19.

Erick and Rich applaud the launch of CompTIA’s security threat intelligence sharing group, urge MSPs to resist “quarantine fatigue”, and discuss a U.K. citizen who wore a face mask in public as required, but used it to cover a different part of his anatomy.

New features for Windows Virtual Desktop, new security software from Sophos and Avast Business, CompTIA’s 2020 Spotlight Award winners, and a finger lickin’ good pair of Crocs are just some of the stories we took our sweet time bringing to you this week.

What the real-world exploits of a recently indicted cybercriminal can teach everyone about effective security.

Through concerted marketing, standardization and automation, and an aggressive growth strategy, Iconic IT is well positioned for the future.

A new Americas president for Tech Data, new SaaS protection software from Datto, and a new social distancing tool sure to have an electrifying effect on anyone who gets too close are all among the stories we’ve belatedly rounded up for you.

With MSPs in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, it’s more critical than ever to adopt best practices to protect yourself. Here are some tips to batten down the hatches.

Award-Winning Industry Veteran Meredith Caram to Lead North American Sales

10 risk management strategies to save your reputation, your mind, and your retirement By Mike Semel.

With help from partners and some transferrable skills, the jump from IT to IoT can be a short one.

New products from HPE, Apple, and Acer, return-to-work solutions from Salesforce and Citrix, and a guy who reached where we wouldn’t dare to retrieve a fishing hook are all among the many stories we’re just now bringing your way.

Cloud computing and “”everything as a service”” have turned the sales process into a buying journey with new milestones—and no ending point.

Part of a larger wave of security-related news from the vendor’s IT Nation Explore event, which is taking place online this week, the new offerings are designed to help channel pros meet ever-escalating demand for security services more effectively.

Tekie Geek has created a culture that employees enjoy and can thrive in, and it shows in their work—and the company’s revenue growth.

As Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, we talk to three veterans who share their paths to IT and the channel.

By Sandra Wheatley | May 27, 2020

The cybersecurity skills gap continues to pose challenges for organizations of all sizes and across all industries and changes to the economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are compounding the skills gap. As the concept of remote work becomes the norm and infrastructures become more distributed, the need for IT professionals that have timely security skills and knowledge will only grow. 

Channel pros’ skills in data management, security, and managed services dovetail nicely with this emerging market.

New leaders for HPE, new chips from Intel, a new channel chief for Nutanix, and a failed attempt at ATM robbery involving a monkey (because slow news week) are all among the stories we’ve just now managed to bring your way.

New hardware from HP and Apple, new Teams competencies for Microsoft partners, new back-to-the-office software from Salesforce, and an look at what dining out might look like in the age of COVID-19 are among the stories we’re belatedly telling you about.

New virtual desktop goodies from Microsoft, new Azure backup goodies from Veeam, a new partner program from Acronis, and the tale of a man who went grocery shopping for mom but came home with a surprise instead are among the stories we’re finally bringing your way.

According to research from CompTIA, MSPs believe gaining more skills in cybersecurity will be the No. 1 action to help ensure solid market performance going forward.

Relaxed revenue targets for HPE partners, subscription pricing for SolarWinds users, and two clear signs that all the quality time we’re spending indoors is making some of us a little crazy were among the many stories we’ve waited until now to bring your way.

MSPs will need to embrace new technology and demonstrate efficient, automated processes or risk watching the competition race past them.

45 states and the District of Columbia expanded their tech workforce in 2019, according to CompTIA Cyberstates 2020 report

$2.5 billion in financial aid from Cisco, new partner program goodies from Microsoft, new hardware from HP, and a look at what a street artist who can’t access the street anymore does to kill time are all among the stories we’re finally writing about (in our jammies, of course).

New names for Office 365 SKUs, new printers from Epson, and the only cargo that could turn a truck fire in Dallas into national news are all among the stories we’ve finally roused ourselves from stay-at-home torpor to tell you about.

Apr 3, 2020

Downers Grove, Ill. – Employment in the U.S. information technology (IT) sector expanded by an estimated 8,500 new workers in March, according to CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global IT industry.

AI products from Dell EMC, remote workforce software from Atera, alerts functionality from Liongard, and proof that no one is safe from supply chain headaches these days are all among the stories we neglected to report while hunting for toilet paper.

Businesses subject to compliance regulations need to take stock of their remote workers’ security posture and make sure proper controls are in place, says this Las Vegas-based cybersecurity and compliance expert.

Women in tech are still in short supply. Several industry organizations are working to feed the talent pipeline and change the culture that keeps it sparse.

A problem-solver mentality helps Technology Specialists prepare for disruption, whether that’s new attack vectors threatening customers or unexpected changes in the business climate.

New devices from Apple, updated RMM software from SolarWinds, and the tacos and toilet paper combo you’ll really wish you had ordered before that shelter in place rule came out are a few of the stories we’re just now bringing your way.

A mashup between VMware and Kubernetes, an alliance between AVANT and Zoom, new Wi-Fi hardware from D-Link, and a new way to satisfy your toilet paper hoarding urge are just a few of the stories we’re belatedly bringing your way.

Small business tech from Cisco, healthcare tech from Microsoft, and a surprise four-legged wedding guest are just three of the many stories we are just now bringing your way.

Developing an inclusive culture takes time, resources and input from people from a lot of different backgrounds, and sometimes it can feel so overwhelming it’s easier not to start. For those short on time or piecing a plan together, use the power of CompTIA communities and the tools and resources developed by members to bring your technology small business in line with diversity best practices. Whatever culture journey your company is involved in, here are resources for every step of the way.

The IoT Security Services Association holds the first of six one-day Cyber Security Expos in Houston, gathering IT service providers and security experts for networking and education.

Introduction

Can we talk? As a small business owner, could your diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts use a little help? Most small business owners responded “yes” to our survey and cited challenges like, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I don’t have the time and resources to dedicate to such an initiative,” or “I’m too small to think about diversity.”

Business of technology providers can do all the right marketing, ensure security best practices and do thousands of sales calls but sometimes business comes because you’re being your authentic self. During the combined Workforce Community meeting at ChannelCon 2019, Angel Pi√±eiro Jr., CompTIA’s Member of the Year, said that throughout his career, his identity as a Puerto Rican from New York City’s Bronx neighborhood connected him to new clients and new work.

The day-long event gathers channel pros and security experts to discuss insights, research, and best security practices for the Internet of Things.

Wrapping up its highest attendance year ever, ChannelPro hosted MSPs, IT consultants, VARs, and integrators for a full day of business building and networking.

At its IT Nation Connect event, the managed services vendor named MJ Shoer (pictured right) leader for the ambitious venture, announced two substantial donations of seed money by ConnectWise founder Arnie Bellini (pictured left), and more.

Everyone has a role in bringing new minds into technology, said CompTIA community’s leader Kathleen Martin. “Parents, educators and businesses—yes, you—can play a key role in inviting people into the tech workforce,” she said. For IT companies, it starts with undoing some of the traditional hiring practices. Here are four tips for those hiring and looking to add new points of view to the industry.†

Celebrate All Sorts of Education

CompTIA, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education at NIST and Burning Glass Technologies will build on the success of the most comprehensive cybersecurity workforce analytics platform and career pathways planner

The day-long event gathers channel pros and security experts to discuss insights, research, and best security practices for the Internet of Things.

The new offering, which is the first of its kind from the business availability vendor, will employ customer-trained marketing campaigns to locate end user sales prospects and then route those leads to partners.

Introduced at a time of increased attacks against MSPs, the new group is designed to help makers of RMM, PSA, and other systems share insights and coordinate responses.

According to Wildix, the new system is optimized for easy setup and management, professional-quality audio and video, and integrated security.

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.†-†Aug. 28, 2019†-†PRLog†– Today, the JS Group announced the addition of Michelle Ragusa-McBain to their Senior Leadership Team. The talent at JS Group continues to grow as Ragusa-McBain joins the team as the Vice President of Global Channel GTM Strategy. McBain is the former Senior Director of Tech Services for Office Depot/CompuCom and a 13 year veteran of Cisco. She is a highly visible thought leader in the global technology channel.

Recently rebranded MSP360 and SKOUT CYBERSECURITY, respectively, both vendors are in the early stages of major campaigns to attract MSP partners.

The two relative newcomers to a market filled with name-brand vendors are both refining their onboarding and support processes before going after a bigger share of burgeoning demand for MSP business management software.

New search functionality, new reporting capabilities, and new integration with PSA software from SynchroMSP are part of a larger emphasis by the cloud distributor on continual enhancements to customer experience.

Moderated by veteran channel pro MJ Shoer, the new ASCII Insider service is designed to offer ASCII Group members a private, non-competitive, and affordable venue for exchanging advice and best practices.

The free solution provides end-to-end support for automated demand generation campaigns, MDF activities, and more. It will also play a contributing role in forthcoming plans to funnel leads generated by Axcient itself to the vendor’s most engaged partners.

Available free of charge, the forthcoming cloud-based solution lets MSPs administer an entire fleet of storage units from the vendor’s TeraStation product family through a single console for the first time.

Better thinking comes from diversity of thought, said Channel Futures’ T.C. Doyle, but how do we bring diverse people and thinkers into technology? It starts with undoing some of the traditional hiring practices in IT, according to panel members at the Combined Workforce Communities Meeting. Some legacy companies no longer require a four-year degree for tech jobs and others are relaxing educational requirements overall.

Held at TopGolf in Brooklyn Center, Minn., the one-day event featured cybersecurity educational sessions and peer networking.

Early in my career, I was once called irreverent after confronting a senior leader about†some very conscious bias in the organization. It was a jarring response that left me questioning my place in the organization. Was I not supposed to ask critical questions about culture and behavior? Didn’t they have an interest in knowing when incidents contrary to the values of the company occurred? Didn’t they want to make an investment in diversity, equity and inclusion?

The second of four ChannelPro SMB Forum events this year featured presentations from industry experts and some of the top SMB resellers and managed service providers in the country.

Infosec scholarship program expands with CompTIA

The first of four ChannelPro SMB Forum events this year featured presentations from industry experts and some of the top SMB resellers and managed service providers in the country.

The new Intermedia Unite Envision is designed to incorporate calling and meeting data into insightful visualizations that enable administrators and partners to continually optimize system performance.

The vendor plans to bundle its new phishing simulation and end user education platform together with its flagship dark web monitoring service, and offer both at prices it says are significantly below what many MSPs currently pay for dark web protection alone.

The first of six day-long events gathered channel pros and security experts to discuss insights, research, and best security practices for the Internet of Things.

Small businesses can benefit from examining their own diversity data, even if there are only 20 people in the office.

“Releasing diversity reports publicly has been a bit of a trend in tech since Google did it a few years ago, but other industries and organizations who are federal contractors have been conducting these public exercises for years,” said Ulysses Smith, an inclusion and diversity strategist and founder of Archetype D&I Consulting. †

More than 313,000 cyber job postings in private and public sectors, according to free career resource from NIST, Burning Glass and CompTIA

Managed service providers, VARs, and integrators gathered in Long Beach for two days of networking and business-building educational sessions presented by well-known channel experts.

In the first of many integrations with widely used managed services tools coming soon, ID Agent’s dark web scanning service can now automatically create tickets in Autotask whenever it finds compromised user credentials.

The new tool is designed to accelerate account creation by walking partners step-by-step through the setup and activation process.

Users of the popular vulnerability assessment tool now receive preliminary information about compromised user credentials at no additional cost. The integration is the first of roughly a dozen coming from ID Agent soon.

When organizations launch a diversity and inclusion initiative, they believe that it is not only the right thing to do but, more importantly, know it makes great business sense. What steps should your organization take toward success and what are common mistakes to avoid?

The Five Do’s

The Roadmap to Profits tour featured a full day of business building sessions for IT solution providers, MSPs, and channel pros on service, sales, marketing, and operations.

The one-day event provides insights, research, and best security practices delivered by leading industry experts.

Part of the distributor’s Solutions & Services program, the new sales push is designed to help channel pros capitalize on rising demand among SMBs for a new generation of simpler, more affordable signage and collaboration offerings.

The deal makes the Anchor file sync and share and Cloudfinder data backup solutions available through an indirect channel, and in small order quantities, for the first time.

D&H will emphasize Atlona’s AV over IP solutions for its Small-to-Medium-Size Business (SMB) customers working through AV/IT convergence

300,000-plus cybersecurity job postings over 12-month period

The one-day event for MSPs and IT service providers presents insights, research, and best security practices delivered by leading industry experts.

†Women in the Channel†(WiC), a not-for-profit organization focused on accelerating the growth of female channel leaders in technology, announced that channel veteran Tina Gravel, senior vice president of global channels for†Cyxtera, has been named to its inaugural WiC Advisory Council, a panel of industry experts who will provide guidance on the growth and strategic direction of the WiC organization.

Diversity issues related to the high-tech industry can’t be missed in the news today. Whether it is a story about pay inequity among men and women, or research showing that the industry workforce composition is largely homogeneous, the headlines are unavoidable. CompTIA’s new research found that 7 in 10 people working in the high-tech industry today say they have heard or read about workplace diversity issues in the last 12 months.

Developing closer ties with strategic partners and rolling out partner program enhancements will be top priorities for the long-time Ingram Micro executive, who officially becomes eFolder’s new channel and distribution chief today.

Robinson, who was most recently the distributor’s senior vice president of go to market for the U.S., will now be responsible for U.S. strategy, operations, and business execution.

How to Encourage Diverse Applicants through Talent Acquisition

IT Veteran to lead the Managed Security Services Provider’s Channel expansion

Pax8, the leading value-added cloud distributor, announced that Ryan Walsh has been promoted to the company’s chief channel officer. In this role, Walsh will lead the strategic direction of the company’s IT channel strategy, partner solutions, and vendor relations. Walsh will continue to report to John Street, the company’s chief executive officer.

5 Technology Industry Leaders to Share Expertise, Guide WiC’s Growth & Future Direction

TPx, the premier managed services carrier (formerly TelePacific), has promoted long-time TPx channel director Hilary Gadda to director of national channel development.
Gadda will report to Jim Delis, senior vice president of national channel development, who joined TPx in May to oversee the company’s aggressive channel investments and acceleration of its national presence as the nation’s premier managed services carrier.

An optional add-on for the managed services software maker’s MSP Backup & Restore product, the new offering automatically finds and protects documents on client endpoints for just $3 per workstation per month with unlimited storage.

Designed by channel chief Jon Whitlock (pictured), the all-new offering brings separate channels associated with multiple product lines together in one consolidated program designed for maximum simplicity, profitability, and flexibility.

Network Detective, the vendor’s flagship IT assessment solution, now includes an optional add-on that lets MSPs perform the quarterly external vulnerability scans required by PCI DSS regulations without help from a third-party vendor.

The new capabilities, which allow MSPs to evaluate an SMB’s password policies, patch management, and anti-virus software, are an early manifestation of Avast’s ongoing effort to differentiate itself as a leader in both security and network management.

The latest additions to the cloud business applications provider’s automated marketing platform include pre-drafted emails and social media posts, white-label landing pages, and a metrics tracking dashboard.

Announced at CompTIA’s 2017 ChannelCon event, the strategic alliance enables Pax8 partners to buy and manage Datto products through the same portal they use to acquire a wide range of other offerings, and enjoy consolidated billing for all those systems too.

New Role Underscores Company’s Commitment to Partners With Dedicated Support to Help Them Develop and Sell Managed Networking Services to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

New Vice Chair Welson-Rossman from Chariot Solutions & TechGirlz

The second of four “Fast Lane to Success Tour” live events convened a full house of channel resellers, integrators, consultants, and MSPs in the Chicago area to deliver business growth strategies in key segments.

Shipments of Datto Networking are “above forecast,” partners are gradually adjusting to the new Datto partner program, and solutions for entirely new market segments like networking are unlikely this year, according to channel executive Rob Rae (pictured).

Leading master agency expands into Virginia with the addition of a new National Channel Manager.

The final 2016 live event for channel resellers, integrators, consultants, and cloud and managed service providers pulled into the Boston area to deliver profitable and “fit” business strategies.

Designed to help MSPs grow their businesses, the two-day event in St. Petersburg, Fla., features thought leadership on increasing sales, branding, lead generation, closing deals, and more.

The third of four live events convened channel resellers, integrators, consultants, and cloud and managed service providers in the D.C. metro area to deliver profitable and “fit” business strategies.

Ready or not, Microsoft partners, commissions on new sales of cloud services under Microsoft’s so-called “Advisor model” end on September 30th.

Aggressively priced, completely re-architected, and due to reach market soon, the latest edition of the company’s ForcEncrypt solution separates encryption keys from encrypted data to better protect sensitive information.

MSPs using the company’s SimplySecure platform can now encrypt and secure data on their own PCs for free.

Starting next month, U.S. resellers will have access to a new “device-as-a-subscription” program that reduces hardware acquisition costs by up to 20 percent over a standard two-year term.

Under the terms of a newly inked alliance agreement, D&H joins a short list of authorized ordering and fulfillment options for AVG’s entire portfolio of managed services and business-oriented security solutions.

Launched within a day of one another, the new systems help channel pros compare projected expenses before choosing a public cloud, and then monitor ongoing usage and expenses.

The new product, which is a software-based version of the Barracuda Backup—Intronis MSP Edition solution that reached market in March, features the same subscription-based pricing.

Building on its relationship with Acronis, Ingram Micro expands technical services and advanced training curriculum around hybrid cloud data protection solutions.

Due later this month, the new service will enable resellers to build and operate storefronts offering customized bundles of cloud-based security solutions under their own brand.

The dual moves reflect a strategic shift away from the heavily commoditized infrastructure-as-a-service market toward more promising opportunities in workspace-as-a-service and beyond.

The annual awards highlight the vendors, distributors, and professional organizations whose solutions, services, or programs best fit the requirements of SMBs and the channel pros who serve them.

IT professionals attending the full-day, live event got advice for “pumping up” their sales, marketing, and operations from a team of industry “trainers.”

MSPs outsource IT service and support to the company’s Help Desk to free up in-house techs and increase customer service to end users.

IT professionals attending the full-day, live event got advice for “pumping up” their sales, marketing, and operations.

Attendees of the ChannelPro SMB Forum’s Channel Therapy Tour learned to fuel their companies’ growth and profit from the latest in IT solutions for small and midsize businesses.

More than 600 attendees gathered in Las Vegas for Continuum’s second annual user conference.

The three-day educational and training event, which is hosting more than 600 attendees, is featuring advanced sales and marketing sessions and speakers to help MSPs take their business to the next level.