Comments on: Managed Services Accreditation, Part 2: Views From MSP Partners, MSPAlliance

By: Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:07:11 +0000

Update: IPED co-founder Toni Clayton-Hine has joined CA (formerly Computer Associates) as VP of worldwide marketing for the Recovery Management, Data Modeling business unit. Details on TheVARguy.com.

By: Stuart Selbst

Stuart Selbst — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:49:32 +0000

Also having participated in this effort, I see the collaberation of MSP Partners, IPED and CompTIA as a way for these organizations to continue setting industry standards and practices.

Agreeing with Dave in what he said above, I also think that this is headed in the right direction and the established MSPs who take part in an accreditation will continue lead the way.

By: Dave Sobel

Dave Sobel — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:05:57 +0000

Having participated in the effort, I think MSP Partners has brought together some great resources. CompTIA is a recognized expert in the area of certification and testing, not only with it’s Security TrustMark but with true industry standards like the A+. IPED brings the respected industry research and insight to the table, and MSP Partners brings a strong community of recognized MSPs to the table.

I think this is headed in the right direction, and was happy to support the MSP Partners, CompTIA and IPED effort.

By: Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:47:44 +0000

John,

I hear what you say about the “MSP Pretenders” in the market. All healthy, growing markets attract less-than-stellar folks who want a piece of the action. And you’ve pointed out an important market definition: Certifications are designed for individuals, accreditations are designed for businesses.

Frankly, I think it’s healthy for the industry to have competing sources for education, accreditation, certification, etc. CompTIA has a strong track record for accreditation and certification, so I’m curious to see if/how they’ll eventually extend the Trustmark brand into managed services accreditation.

And I have to be honest: I really wonder how many MSPs are truly interested in certification and accreditation. Anybody have any best estimates?

By: John Kilgore

John Kilgore — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:34:14 +0000

Charles’ thoughts were mine as well as I read the article. MSP Alliance definitely has a rock solid certification plan that is not the easiest to finish for the “MSP Pretenders”. I’m excited to see what MSP Partners has or will develop for their accreditation program and how much of it becomes a mesh of what MSP Alliance’s program already has.