CompTIA Unveils Cloud Trustmark+ for the Channel
CompTIA has claimed the IT industry’s first formal accreditation program for cloud-focused IT vendors and distributors. The new CompTIA Cloud Trustmark+ is a business-level credential designed to accredit and identify best-practice cloud vendors and distributors. Businesses that earn the Cloud Trustmark+ will demonstrate a commitment to providing IT channel partners with best-in-class technology, integrations, support and enablement resources, said the association.
To obtain the CompTIA Cloud Trustmark+, vendors and distributors are required to pass a third-party review that includes several business and technology criteria. Several documents will also be required in five categories including corporate and product review, go to market strategy, partner/channel strategy, security and infrastructure, and internal operations and support.
CompTIA also announced that it has updated its CompTIA Network+ certification exam that addresses the growth of software-defined networks and increased security preparedness. The new exam (N10-006) covers five areas of networks: architecture, operations, security, troubleshooting and industry standards, practices and network theory. New and updated areas include cloud and virtualization, network segmentation using physical and virtual solutions, digital forensics techniques for preserving and securing data, as well as wireless and mobile support, mobile-device management and device security.
Ingram Micro Bolsters Cloud Offering
Ingram Micro has made several announcements at its annual Cloud Summit this week that boosts its cloud portfolio for channel partners in the United States and Canada. These include the availability of Microsoft Office 365 on the Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace, an expanded Cloud Marketplace portfolio, and a new partner-loyalty program.
Other new offerings include Ingram Micro Service Desk to help channel partners support their customers; Cloud Ignite Services, which supports Ingram Micro’s channel partners; and a Healthcare Suite.
Through the marketplace, partners can directly provision and offer unique Office 365 bundles, set their own price and invoice monthly, said Ingram Micro. They also can leverage the marketplace to bundle the Ingram Micro Service Desk for 7/24/365 support and SkyKick Migration Suites to help customers move to Office 365. Others offerings added to the marketplace portfolio include Acronis, Cirius, McAfee, Nomadesk, RingCentral, SkyKick and TrendMicro.
The new partner loyalty program, Cloud Elevate, provides rewards and enablement services to help channel partners accelerate their cloud sales and profitability, said Ingram Micro. Channel partners that participate in the program receive exclusive go-to-market services, as well as discounted education, marketing and business transformation services from third-party vendors.
Computer Systems Institute Adds Cisco Training
Computer Systems Institute (CSI), a provider of 32-week career training programs at multiple Chicago-area campuses, has added two Networking Career Program options that include preparation for key Cisco certification exams. The program now offers three different tracks enabling students to select their areas of IT specialization.
The new training options include the Cisco/MCSA track and the CompTIA A+/Cisco track. A CompTIA/MCSA track is also available. All three tracks include hands-on experience in the school’s computer labs, can be completed in 32 weeks and offer morning, afternoon, evening and weekend classes. CSI said it pays for certification exams for all students who successfully complete any of the school’s certificate programs.