It was a busy year for CompTIA’s communities, Industry Advisory Councils, and research team. The content produced this year includes an impressive assortment of infographics, guides, reports, and more—all developed to helping tech companies grow their business advance amid the challenges of today’s chaotic environment.
In case you missed any important resources—you know, because you were busy managing a tech business through a global pandemic—we’ve identified 10 pieces worthy of reading, again or for the first time, to help take you into 2021.
IT Industry Outlook 2021
It didn’t take long for the optimism of a new decade to wear off. By the end of Q1 this year, companies everywhere were reeling as they reckoned with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, the impact of the virus was too much for many firms, leaving millions of workers unemployed and driving thousands of businesses to close their doors. Those companies that stayed afloat had to act quickly in order to enable their remote workforce and maintain operations.
Tech Town Index 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic impact wreaked havoc on the overall workforce in 2020. Fortunately, technology jobs are still in demand and on the rise in many areas of the country. And, as many Americans deal with job losses and salary cuts, technology continues to be a bedrock for career changers of all ages. Throw in an increase in remote work and we have some interesting factors contributing to the CompTIA Tech Town Index 2020, which ranks the top cities for job opportunities and growth for IT pros.
2020 Emerging Technology Top 10 List
A popular and much-anticipated annual release, this year’s Emerging Technology Top 10 List was delayed to account for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 list, selected by CompTIA’s Emerging Technology Community, reflects the poised to have the greatest impact in our current world. With both short- and long-term potential—some of which we are seeing firsthand today—technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, 5G, serverless computing, blockchain and more, provide customers with growth opportunities, new capabilities and solutions in a post-pandemic world.
Data Breach Response Planning Guide
Many managed service providers have found themselves to be not only enticing victims of cyber-attacks, but also fruitful targets. Be it a lack of preparedness, human error or technical insufficiencies, tech companies have struggled to meet the data security challenges we now face. CompTIA’s IT Security Community created this tool to help prepare a data breach response plan, with tips ranging from the big picture (preplanning and testing) to the details (keeping related notes of an incident separate from day-to-day business).
State of Cybersecurity 2020
Cybersecurity moves from a piece of IT operations into an overarching business concern. From formal policies to specialized teams, organizations are adopting the practices that will secure their new digital efforts, ultimately moving towards a new framework that defines a modern mindset. This report examines the state of cybersecurity as the world fully embraces digital transformation.
Diversity and Inclusion Plan for Technology SMBs
As a small business owner, could your diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts use a little help? Most small business owners responded “yes” to a CompTIA survey, citing challenges like, “I don’t know where to start,” or “I don’t have the time and resources to dedicate to such an initiative,” or “I’m too small to think about diversity.” CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community created this plan for tech SMBs to start thinking about diversity and make an effort to represent their broader communities.
Trends in Managed Services
The era of cloud has both frustrated MSPs and fueled new growth opportunities. Emerging technologies such as IoT and AI are providing new potential revenue streams for MSPs that learn to harness those technologies. Challenges exist as well, from security threats to MSPs themselves to ongoing concerns about commoditization and margin erosion. Meanwhile, 52% of MSPs say gaining more skills in cybersecurity will be the No. 1 action to help ensure solid market performance over the next two years.
What is an ISAO?
To help tech companies accelerate their cyber resilience, CompTIA has launched the CompTIA Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO), an initiative that analyzes the latest cybersecurity threats and provides actionable threat intelligence. Membership in an ISAO helps protect businesses, customers, and the tech industry. Members gain access to insight and information on the latest and biggest cyber risks as well as prescriptive, actionable steps to respond. But what does joining an ISAO entail? Why is it important? And how can you benefit? We’ve got the answers to those questions—and more.
7 Myths About Blockchain—Busted
Blockchain isn’t Bitcoin, it’s not inefficient and enterprises of all sizes can implement solutions leveraging the technology. These, and several other myths you may have heard about blockchain, aren’t necessarily true. To help set the record straight, CompTIA’s Blockchain Advisory Council identified seven popular notions about the technology and analyzed the truth behind each one.
Top AI Solutions
The CompTIA Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council has identified the most common AI solutions that offer the most opportunity for the IT channel and those working in the business of technology. From smart assistant chatbots to language processing to predictive analytics, there are plenty of opportunities for solution providers to find an interest and build a successful practice.
Add CompTIA to your favorite RSS reader
