CompTIA Introduces New Business Credential for Managed IT Services Providers

CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry, today introduced a new business level credential for managed IT services providers who use industry-accepted best practices for service delivery and customer interaction.

“The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark serves as a signpost for organizations seeking a competent and qualified managed IT services provider”

The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark is the outcome of several years of extensive research and collaboration and consultation with recognized industry experts in the managed IT services marketplace. Technology vendors, service and solution providers and others helped to develop the vendor-neutral business credential, which addresses a broad range of issues that are critical to running an effective managed services operation.

“This trustmark identifies managed services providers (MSPs) who’ve made a commitment to serving customers in a manner that’s based on the best practices of our industry,” said Jim Hamilton, vice president, member communities, CompTIA.

“The managed IT services deliverable has gained broad acceptance over the last several years, and many MSPs have adopted the model and been extremely successful with it,” said Ted Roller, vice president of channel development, Intronis.

“What CompTIA has done is leverage that effort and the resultant knowledge to create a trustmark program and credential that acts as both a best practices certification for the channel and an industry benchmark for the consumer,” Roller continued. “The end result is a higher level of competency, trust and value within the industry.”

To receive the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark, an MSP must complete an online application covering a detailed list of criteria, agree to a code of conduct and provide customer references.

“The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark serves as a signpost for organizations seeking a competent and qualified managed IT services provider,” Hamilton explained. “The credential identifies those managed services providers that demonstrate a high level of competency, adhere to prescribed industry best practices and use processes that allow them to operate in a customer-centric fashion.”

Applicants for the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark must provide details on their internal organizational structure, including human resources, financial, risk and business management practices; technology tools and systems they utilize; standard operating procedures; and IT service specific activities they’re engaged in, for network, server or end-user devices.

Companies must also agree to abide by a code of conduct. This code requires a commitment to conducting advertising, service delivery and overall business practices in an ethical manner. Tenets of the code call on MSPs to:

• Maintain a certain level of ethical behavior in its day-to-day operations.
• Obey all regional, national and international laws.
• Agree to protect the assets and intellectual property of all customers, ensuring their well-being in all business decisions.
• Write contracts in clear language, including the expectation of all parties involved.
• Follow fair pricing practices.
• Represent all products and services truthfully and responsibly.

The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark is one of several business credentials offered by CompTIA to IT industry companies as a way to demonstrate that their business adheres to the industry’s best practices and demonstrates to current and potential customers they have the dedication, knowledge and resources to perform quality service. Visit CompTIA Business Credentials to learn more.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry. CompTIA’s vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.