Latest CompTIA Study Highlights Channel Opportunities in the Skills Gap
The IT skills gap is a growing concern for organizations in just about every industry as rapid innovation results in technology becoming a core strategy for business growth.
![Latest CompTIA Study Highlights Channel Opportunities in the Skills Gap Latest CompTIA Study Highlights Channel Opportunities in the Skills Gap](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt10e444bce2d36aa8/blt7f980a69318e546a/6538e74d9801e37af3b2d755/Screen_Shot_2017-06-27_at_2.29.36_PM_0.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Most IT and business executives agree on the importance of technology to achieving business goals. Seventy-four percent of organizations cite tech as a primary factor in reaching organizational objectives. However, it’s clear that that number will only continue to grow, especially among small and midsize firms that may currently see tech as a secondary factor for success as they come to realize the gains tech offers in productivity, innovation and efficiency.
Particularly in fields such as cybersecurity and digital transformation, channel firms can alleviate some of the pain organizations are experiencing while trying to optimize their IT teams. In addition to providing technological services, MSPs and solution providers can pass their skills on by educating internal employees—the ‘teach a man to fish’ approach. Conversely, partners can tap their own resources to gain training in next-gen areas of IT focus if they don’t already possess those skills. Vendors, distributors and other education providers can be an excellent resource for training in skills related to the internet of things (IoT), automation, artificial intelligence, IT modernization, cloud infrastructure and application, big data and more.
Despite being aware of the need for tech skills and the ramifications of not addressing the gap, only one in three organizations have a formal process in place to help alleviate the pressure. Business leaders are aware of the consequences, which include lower staff productivity, decreased sales, and deficiencies with innovation and new product development. But more than half (54 percent) of organizations don’t have a clear idea of what the gaps are in their workforce. Understanding just where they need help is the first step toward developing a roadmap—and channel partners are just the ones to offer that assessment and analysis, as well as make recommendations on the path forward.
As digitization and interconnectivity become an increasing part of business activity, shortcomings in cybersecurity expertise grow ever more precarious. In addition, some ramifications of a lack of security skills aren’t readily recognizable. When it comes to direct impact, skills such as data security, traditional security safeguards such as firewalls and antivirus software, and cloud security are cited as the most in demand.
But there are indirect consequences, too. For example, six in 10 organizations report cybersecurity shortcomings that inhibit the integration of different applications, data sources, platforms, or devices. There are also increasing risks from the increasing adoption of emerging technology in areas like IoT, artificial intelligence and robotics. Luckily, the channel is teeming with experts in data protection, system integration, application configuration, cognitive software and IoT-related technology.
If your prospective customers are in that minority of organizations not yet sold on the need to invest in IT skills, the report has some pretty astounding numbers that may help sway them. Ninety-four percent of businesses see negative impacts in key business areas. More than half of businesses report lower staff productivity due to skills gaps, or that one-third have lower sales or profitability due to gaps in skills. The study also shows opportunities abound in sectors lines of business like marketing and sales, operations and business development, so start hitting up your LOB contacts.
If your prospective customers are in that minority of organizations not yet sold on the need to invest in IT skills, the report has some pretty astounding numbers that may help sway them. Ninety-four percent of businesses see negative impacts in key business areas. More than half of businesses report lower staff productivity due to skills gaps, or that one-third have lower sales or profitability due to gaps in skills. The study also shows opportunities abound in sectors lines of business like marketing and sales, operations and business development, so start hitting up your LOB contacts.
The IT skills gap is a growing concern for organizations in just about every industry as rapid innovation results in technology becoming a core strategy for business growth. A recent study by IT analyst firm CompTIA shows that nearly half of organizations believe the skills gap is growing, but the root causes are multi-faceted. What’s more, there’s a great deal of uncertainty surrounding what impact the gap will have on industry, the workforce and the fate of IT teams.
What is clear is that businesses are in need of skilled technology professionals to help them reach IT goals that will contribute to success. Managed service providers (MSPs) and other channel firms are in a perfect position to take advantage of the skills gap, where their IT skills are increasingly valuable commodities.
Click through the gallery to see the top five takeaways from the “Assessing the IT Skills Gap” study from CompTIA.
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like