ChannelTrends: Expand Your Mindset and Revenue with an International Perspective

Like it or not, today’s business is driven by the world economy. World markets and international manufacturing have a profound effect on literally everything we buy and sell, and that interconnect is sure to grow in the future, as companies and countries leverage their combined resources. There are as typically more similarities than differences in the organizational and technology issues facing businesses in each region, with the legislation and culture the biggest variables.

The IT channel is known for seizing opportunity from the unknown, helping businesses overcome challenges and improve their organizational efficiencies. With a solid understanding of international markets, legislation and cultures, IT professionals can increase their value to both customers and partners. Whether expanding business overseas or learning how to tackle disparate compliance issues, having an employee or consultant with a comprehensive understanding of the worldwide IT channel can be a major advantage. An experienced professional can help guide an organization through the complexities required to establish a foothold in new geographies, helping it connect with the right people and identify the processes needed to be successful.

For vendors and distributors, obtaining this expertise is a no-brainer, but solution providers are also dipping their toes in the international IT market. Some are boning up on regional needs to support their clients’ expansion needs, while others may be looking for their own growth opportunities. As Internet-driven technologies and global prospects continue to play a bigger role in business growth, VARs and MSPs need to be aware of a host of new issues and be prepared to address them.

With a worldwide member base, CompTIA is uniquely able to support the international training and business education needs of the IT channel. The UK Community is just one example of the association’s commitment to serve as the voice of the world’s IT industry. The CompTIA team is steadfast in its mission to advance the global interests of IT professionals and companies, with a variety of programs that support industry education, certification, advocacy and philanthropy.

Members of the UK Community participate in face-to-face and online discussions, and collaborate on a number of association-funded initiatives and programs. One of the group’s key objectives is to help CompTIA design and develop critical business tools for UK IT channel companies. This is a true member-lead community of solution providers, vendors, distributors and other IT industry professionals; each working towards common goals to improve their part of the channel. If you’re willing to share a bit of your time and expertise with your peers, send a message to UK Community Director William Linard (wlinard@comptia.org).

The group is meeting today before the annual CompTIA EMEA Member and Partner Conference in London. For those who can’t make it to the conference and want to keep up with the discussions and activities occurring there, news and updates will be posted regularly on the blog and the EMEA website.

For those looking to gain an edge in the international IT channel, the conference provides an opportunity to connect, collaborate and gain valuable industry insight. Conference attendees will discuss the latest technologies and business trends for growing a successful solution provider business, with three specific focus areas on the agenda:

Track 1: UK Channel

Track 2: Learning & Development

Track 3: Training & Certification

When it comes to gaining an international edge, it’s the right time to check out the available opportunities. Check out the resources CompTIA has to offer and become more engaged in the world-wide channel.

Brian Sherman is founder of Tech Success Communications, specializing in editorial content and consulting for the IT channel. His previous roles include chief editor at Business Solutions magazine and senior director of industry alliances with Autotask. Contact Brian at Bsherman@techsuccesscommunications.com.