Top of the 9th Inning: Do You Have the Right Information to Win?

Those who enjoy baseball know that the game is as much about information and strategy as it is about skill. The most arcane player statistics are assembled and used to help managers make crucial decisions throughout a game. Picture a right handed starting pitcher facing a right handed batter in the eighth inning, with two runners on base and one out. Both managers will analyze the situation and consult a myriad of statistics before sending instructions to their team that could make the difference between winning and losing. Similarly, in business, a manager must carefully review the circumstances and gather critical information prior to making a key decision. But unlike baseball, statistics in business can be difficult to collect. Baseball is a well defined game with set rules but the business environment is fluid and dynamic environment, with an ever increasing number of variables. For example, how big is the market; what products do customers favor; or what are the most important factors when customers make a buying decision? These are vital details that can make the difference between a business’ success and its failure. So how can an IT business gain access to the information they need to make the critical decisions needed to grow their company effectively and efficiently? The answer is quite simple: tap into CompTIA Research.

Just like so many IT industry terms (cloud computing, SaaS and managed services, for example) “research” can take on many disparate definitions, depending on the people and situation. The research CompTIA provides its members is more than just a stack of random data assembled because someone had the desire to gather it. The association works closely with members and the CompTIA Communities to ensure studies are designed to meet the needs of IT channel businesses; focused on the most useful trends and insights those companies want to know about as soon as possible.

More specifically, our goal is to provide members with timely, relevant and actionable data and intelligence. The industry studies which CompTIA conducts on behalf of its members consider the many facets of the ever-changing global IT landscape. A team of our own analysts work diligently to produce a steady stream of reports and data analysis on key topics in the IT industry.
 

Now let’s review real world examples of how members use CompTIA Research to help solve business problems, increase business opportunities, and gain knowledge: 

• Are you interested in entering a new vertical or increasing your success in a particular market? Gain additional insight on the end-users in one of the many dual perspective or market-dedicated studies, such as Annual Healthcare IT Market: Insights and Opportunities, IT Opportunities in the Legal Services Market or Annual SMB Technology Adoption Trends.


• Have you already conducted or gathered your own research but want third-party validation to help make your case to prospects, customers or even colleagues? Then the addition of CompTIA statistics and research examples will improve the credibility and quality of any project. If you emphasize that information is from a third-party, vendor-neutral source (CompTIA), it will only enhance your case. The association does not conduct sponsored research and adheres to rigorous research and ethical standards, no matter the topic or geographic region. CompTIA is proud to be a member of the Marketing Research Association. 


• Is it too costly to conduct the comprehensive studies you need on your own? As a CompTIA member, you have full access to all published research—an archive of more than 30 reports, with an additional 15 original studies completed each year. Remember, you can use CompTIA Research for a variety of purposes, including business planning, marketing, education and sales efforts.


• Do you want to keep up with the latest IT industry trends? CompTIA Research covers a variety of topics, including security, IT workforce, green IT, managed services, and cloud computing/SaaS. For a quick snapshot of opinions on the U.S. economy, the overall IT industry and IT businesses, be sure to check out the CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index, which is published every other month. 

CompTIA is working to advance our global IT industry, and through our research arm, members are actively engaged in the planning and development process for new studies. A special “Thank You” to members who participate in our research by responding to surveys and providing input on the design of studies!

Visit the members section of CompTIA.org often to view the most recent studies available. Members can also contact CompTIA Research analysts with questions regarding specific publications, assistance in tracking down data or to discuss different aspects of the IT industry. We welcome you to leave a comment here or contact [email protected] with any questions or ideas.