Exambible new CompTIA programs, credentials and educational opportunities

Exambible CompTIA, the leading association for the world’s information technology (IT) industry, today unveiled seven member-driven communities to provide thought leadership on critical issues such as cyber security, healthcare IT, cloud computing and other emerging technology trends.

“These member-driven groups will collaborate to advance specific technologies, markets and business segments that are vital to the growth and success of the IT industry,” said Dan Liutikas, senior vice president, industry relations, CompTIA. “We’re providing a forum to bring leaders together to learn, network, address issues facing their business and create resources and best practices for others in the industry.”

“CompTIA member-driven groups go far beyond the generic IT services provider education,” said Frank Hughes, chief executive officer of Cloud Services Depot of Encino, Calif., a provider of hosted, on-demand solutions for managed services providers worldwide. “These groups focus on specific parts of the IT industry that allow CompTIA members to take advantage of new revenue streams such as SaaS, Open Source and managed services.”

The seven CompTIA communities introduced today include:

• Cloud/SaaS – Cloud computing and software-as-a-service are exciting new growth opportunities in the IT industry. This community brings together resellers, solution providers, vendors and distributors to network, learn, and establish industry standards.

• Health IT – This community was formed to better facilitate understanding of the health IT marketplace, where technology is changing the delivery of healthcare. Electronic records, prescriptions and other IT tools are helping to create a more comprehensive and clear recording system, which helps to reduce doctor and pharmacist errors and trim healthcare costs. Community members will discuss issues and opportunities related to the field, which could lead to new CompTIA programs, credentials and educational opportunities.

• IT Security – As the field of IT security grows both in scope and opportunities this community brings together technology resellers, solution providers, vendors and distributors to discuss security strategy, education and industry standards. Areas of focus include developing industry best practices; providing continuing security education; and developing an IT Security Code of Ethics.

• IT Services and Support – CompTIA and its members have long been active in improving the delivery of IT services through initiatives such as the CompTIA Authorized Service Center and Customer Service Excellence programs. This expanded community brings together IT service executives to discuss issues in the channel and help create solutions. Representatives from resellers, service providers, distributors, parts providers and logistics companies participate to develop initiatives and create industry standards.

• Managed IT Services – This community allows managed services providers to shape the future of one of the fastest growing business models in the IT industry by establishing best practices and standards and IT services-specific programs.

• Open Source – The field of open source software development holds unique opportunities and challenges. Independent software vendors, solution providers and industry thought leaders are active in this community as they address these issues.

• Small Business Owners – Devoted to the specific issues and opportunities that arise for IT small business owners (companies with fewer than 50 employees), this community provides a forum for peer networking. Participants can create practical solutions to collective business issues unique to small business that will help them improve quality, increase profits and reduce operating costs.

“Ever since I became a member of CompTIA, it has been clear that the real value of this Association is in its unique ability to bring together the various elements of our industry for the betterment of all, most importantly, our common customers, the end users of IT products and services,” said MJ Shoer, president and virtual chief technology officer, Jenaly Technology Group, Inc., Portsmouth N.H., a provider of outsourced IT services to small and mid-size businesses.

“It is very gratifying to see the vast resources and deep knowledge of the CompTIA team being brought to bear on these initiatives,” Shoer continued. “This is exactly what the membership has been asking for and it’s fantastic and exciting to see CompTIA delivering on it.”

“We believe the vast majority of our members will benefit from the industry-specific tools and resources, educational content, mentoring, research, and online networking opportunities afforded by each community,” Liutikas said.

More Information in www.exambible.com