OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., November 22, 2010 -- CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry, announced today the availability of two new whitepapers on important cloud computing topics.

Both whitepapers were developed by the CompTIA Cloud/SaaS Community, one of seven community groups created by CompTIA to advance specific technology solutions, markets and business segments vital to the continued growth and success of the IT industry. More than 60 industry leaders in the cloud computing market are active members of the CompTIA community.

Outlining Cloud Computing for the Channel clarifies and expands on cloud computing definitions for practical application in the IT reseller channel community.

“We’ve provided basic definitions and core characteristics for cloud computing and put this information in context for the IT channel,” said Brad DeSent, chair of the CompTIA Cloud /SaaS Community and president of Apex Consulting Group, a provider of strategic and tactical technology solutions and services. “It’s designed to give the IT channel community a baseline reference for describing cloud computing and how it fits with the various constituencies that make up the channel.”

The second whitepaper, Cloud Computing Business Models for the Channel defines the sales cycle, stages of development and the roles of IT channel companies in cloud computing. It identifies and defines basic cloud business models and outlines the orientation and relationship of cloud computing models to businesses operating in and around the channel.

“We’ve addressed two important issues impacting the broader adoption of cloud computing,” said Dan Liutikas, senior vice president, industry relations, CompTIA. “First, there’s confusion among both customers and solutions providers in defining cloud computing, Second, many IT channel companies are evaluating where they fit into the cloud computing market.”

The whitepapers are available in CompTIA Member Resource Center.

The September 2010 CompTIA study Cloud Computing: Pulling Back the Curtain found both the channel and end user communities crave a more authoritative definition of cloud computing, More than two-thirds of channel companies surveyed said that having a clear definition will help them present a more convincing value proposition for cloud computing to their customers. Six in ten end users also cited market clarity as the main reason to script an industry-wide definition; and nearly half also said the definition will show them how they should best buy and consume cloud computing solutions.

The study also suggested that many channel organizations are still figuring out what role they will play and how the business model suits their own organizations. The good news for the channel is that customers want to use them as a source for their cloud computing solutions, more so than vendors, consultants or self-service options, according to the CompTIA study.

The CompTIA Cloud/SaaS Community addresses challenges and opportunities in the emerging field of cloud, or Software as a Service (SaaS) computing and application delivery. This group develops best practices, education programs, industry standards, and member driven initiatives specific to the Web-based technologies. Visit CompTIA Communities to learn more.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org.

-------

Source: CompTIA