I watch CompTIA's research and news releases closely. They're often more focused, targeted, and accurate, that Gartner and some of the other research firms. Some seem more focused on stroking their own ego that providing actionable business intelligence. For me, CompTIA is clearly not one of those who miss the mark. I like them.

This report talks abuot buyers of managed services. It's telling to me that I agree these are the top managed services today. I'm curious when we'll see voice, video and unified communications on the high priority list from customers.

Security, Storage and Recovery Are Top Priorities for IT Managed Services Customers, CompTIA Research Reveals

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., February 14, 2007 – Buyers of managed information technology (IT) services will focus on security, storage and disaster recovery services in 2007, new research commissioned by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) reveals.

One-third of the 322 organizations surveyed – all current users of managed services – said they plan to invest or upgrade their spending in managed security services in 2007. The same percentage of organizations, 33 percent, said they plan to invest or upgrade spending in storage, backup and disaster recovery services.

Other managed services spending priorities for 2007 include Web or email hosting, cited by 27 percent of the surveyed companies; network monitoring and administration, 25 percent; and software-as-a-service and application subscriptions, 20 percent.

When asked why they’re choosing to invest in managed IT services, 40 percent of the organizations said it is because they do not have the in-house skills to manage certain IT services. Another 30 percent said it is less expensive for them to have an outside party manage certain IT services than if the work was done in-house; while 21 percent said they chose the managed services model because it allows them to focus on their core competency.

The managed services users surveyed ranged from small businesses (1-20 employees; annual revenues of less than $5 million) to large enterprises (1,000 or more employees; $250 million or more in annual revenue); and covered a broad cross-section of industries. The mean amount spent by the companies on managed services in the past year was $243,855.

The survey was intended to identify trends in the managed services market; success and challenge factors facing the providers of managed services; and opportunities for growth.
CompTIA commissioned Harris Interactive ( http://www.harrisinteractive.com/ ) to conduct the survey.

Throughout 2007 CompTIA intends to make managed service a key area of focus, through the development of new best practices tools for solution providers delivering managed services; educational programs, events and networking opportunities for professionals working with managed services; and additional research aimed at helping solution providers find the right opportunities for their managed services offerings.

CompTIA will hold a Managed Services Summit May1-3 in San Diego, Calif. This three-day event focuses on delivering information on how to market, sell and deliver managed services; operating and financial models of successful managed service businesses; and how to partner with other managed services providers and vendors. Other topics to be addressed include educating existing and potential customers on the benefits of managed services; demonstrating the return on investment of managed services; and addressing the issue of sales commissions.

About CompTIA
For 25 years, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has served as the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Today, the Association represents the business interests of more than 20,000 member companies in more than 100 countries worldwide. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry; helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and assisting individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org .