Business Planning Tool for Technology Solution Providers Available from CompTIA.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- Technology solution providers looking for new strategies to improve their financial performance now have access to a business analysis tool available from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The CompTIA Solution Provider Self-Assessment(TM) is a free resource that allows information technology (IT) reseller and solution provider businesses to confidentially compare their current business models against the profiles of top-performing companies in the industry. Owners and operators can determine which areas of their business are operating at peak effectiveness. At the same time they can identify those areas of their business that may be in need of improvement.

"Technology resellers must conduct an honest assessment of their current business model to drive new revenue, reduce expenses and determine future viability and relevance to the market," said William Vanderbilt, vice president, education and training, CompTIA. "Ignoring the need for ongoing assessment of one's business could result in missed opportunities in a market that is constantly changing and expanding."

The self-assessment tool is among the ongoing initiatives of the CompTIA Reseller Transformation Advisory Council (RTAC), established in 2005 to promote growth and economic health throughout the IT channel. The council's mission is to help technology resellers build business models that make sense for their long-term success, thus enhancing the financial strength of the entire IT community.

Member companies supporting this initiative include McAfee, Inc., a leader in intrusion prevention and security risk management; Microsoft, the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions; Ricoh Corporation, a leading supplier of office automation equipment and electronics; Symantec, the world leader in providing solutions to help individuals and enterprises assure the security, availability, and integrity of their information; and Xerox Corporation, a technology and services enterprise that helps businesses deploy Smarter Document Management(SM) strategies and find better ways to work. Other organizations involved in the CompTIA RTAC include Avaya Inc.; Canon U.S.A., Inc.; CDW Corporation; Intermec Inc.; LANDesk Software; and NewWave.

For more information on the CompTIA RTAC, please visit http://www.comptia.org/learning/university/rtac.aspx

The CompTIA Solution Provider Self-Assessment is available at http://www.comptia.org/learning/university/me_assessment/Default.aspx

About CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) represents the business interests of the information technology (IT) industry. For 24 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its 20,000 member organizations in more than 100 countries worldwide. CompTIA initiatives extend to areas such as convergence technologies, electronic commerce, information security, IT services, public policy, skills development, and software. CompTIA helps organization maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and assists IT workers to obtain the skills they need for productive careers in technology. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org.