CompTIA Channel Training Center Goes Virtual at Comdex 2011

It’s not always easy for solution providers to get the training they need, between logistics challenges and scheduling conflicts that need to be resolved in order to participate in remote locations. The time required for travel and class instruction can wreak havoc on a company’s operations, since their clients’ support needs are rarely constant. Even the largest VARs and MSPs run into scheduling conflicts when attempting to balance training needs with the normal work load and emergency issues.


Training can be a “Catch 22” for solution providers. Without it, keeping pace with the advanced skills needed to properly support current clients and attract new ones is a significant challenge. And with the current economic environment, many VARs and MSPs are attempting to supplement their revenue by offering new technologies and creating vertical market specializations to entice both current clients and prospects. But without the proficiency to support those new offerings, achieving long-term success will be difficult.


Luckily for solution providers, options are available, including the CompTIA Channel Training Center to be co-located at Comdex Virtual 2011, November 15-16. While it may be hard to replicate all the benefits of a live event, such as networking with peers and vendors, these online sessions offer their own advantages. For example, VARs and MSPs can take turns participating in a number of business focused classes without leaving their offices, allowing them to be available should emergency situations come up. Of course, there are no travel costs or time lost waiting for a flight either, leaving them free to focus on the classroom information and how it applies to their business!


In the case of Comdex Virtual 2011, the agenda includes CompTIA member-led sessions on cloud computing, security, healthcare IT, unified communications and partnering strategies. The instructors are experts in their respective fields and present the information in a vendor-neutral setting, ensuring all attendees will benefit from the online classroom environment.


Each “Quick Start” session provides a fundamental foundation specifically designed to meet the needs of solution providers, with key action items that attendees can immediately implement in their business. Takeaways include support materials, templates and additional resources that will help VARs and MSPs succeed in that particular subject area—if they decide it’s a good fit for their organization. After attending these training classes, participants should know whether their company could be successful with the new technology or vertical market, or have the tools available to make that assessment before making any necessary investments.


Interested in attending the CompTIA Channel Training Center at Comdex Virtual 2011? See the agenda below and register using the event link.


Community Booths Offer Resources and Information

While attending Comdex Virtual 2011, attendees also can access many other solution provider business building resources. In addition to the education sessions, the CompTIA Channel Training Center includes a virtual “show-in-a-show,” with booths for each of the collaborative CompTIA Communities. Attendees will also find a general membership area and a section stocked full of a variety of helpful vendor and distributor resources.


Rather than your typical channel marketing event, CompTIA loaded the Comdex Virtual 2011 agenda and site with information, education and tools that will truly make a difference for solution providers. Whether looking to enhance their practice, or start a new one, it’s a cost effective event of which  everyone can take advantage.

CompTIA Channel Training Center Agenda

Tuesday, Nov. 15 (all times Eastern):

12:30–1:30 pm: Quick Start to Managed IT Services. Dan Shapero, founder of ClikCloud

2:30–3:30 pm: Quick Start to Healthcare IT. Chris Johnson, HIT strategist, Untangled Solutions

3:30–4:30 pm: Quick Start to Unified Communications. Howard Cohen, senior resultant at TechChannel Partners' Results Group Inc.


Wednesday, Nov. 16 (all times Eastern):

10:30–11:30 am: Quick Start to Cloud/SaaS. Gary Bixler, founder of Bixler Enterprises

12:30–1:30 pm: How to Leverage the CompTIA Security Trustmark™ in Your Business. Jacob Braun, president of Waka Digital Media Corporation

2:30–3:30 pm: Understanding Your Partner's Business: Break Points - Partner Reality. Larry Kesslin, president of 4-Profit LLC


Register here for Comdex Virtual 2011 and access to the CompTIA Channel Training Center.