MSP Partners Announces the Launch of MSP Pro

MSP Partners, an alliance founded by Cisco, Ingram Micro, Intel, Level Platforms and Microsoft in conjunction with the active participation of more than 20 leading IT vendors and thousands of solution providers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs), today announced with IT industry trade association CompTIA and Everything Channel's research division the Institute for Partner Education & Development (IPED), the availability of MSP Pro, a new third tier of membership that allows MSPs to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Managed Services best practices.

This new level of membership entitles members to take the "MSP Pro ... powered by CompTIA" exam, which thoroughly tests members on Managed Services best practices in Marketing, Sales, Operations and Finance. The exam is based on the extensive IPED training and education resources available on the MSP Partners member website. Once successfully completed, MSP Pro members receive the MSP Pro logo, plaque and certificate demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of established Managed Services best practices. MSP Pro membership is available through the MSP Partners website (www.msppartners.com) for $399 annually or $200 for current Master members.

"Completion of the MSP Pro content and exam thoroughly equips MSPs for the challenges faced in establishing and growing a successful Managed Services business, all based upon industry established best practices. In addition, MSP Pro allows MSPs to clearly demonstrate to their customers, partners and suppliers their proficiency in providing a Managed Service offering," said Jim Hamilton, Executive Director MSP Partners. "MSP Partners is very proud to provide this vital service to the IT community as a means of further advancing the adoption of Managed Services."

MSP Partners MSP Pro was jointly developed by CompTIA, MSP Partners, and IPED in collaboration with a group of leading MSPs. Materials are delivered 100% online. Successful attainment of MSP Pro status involves approximately 12 hours of online course work and a one hour written exam delivered through CompTIA testing partners.

Robert Biddle, VP Member Programs at CompTIA, added, "The MSP Pro exam brings together the strengths of key channel organizations CompTIA, MSP Partners and IPED to deliver a great product that will benefit the entire industry. It is further evidence of what we can accomplish as an industry when we work together."

For more information on MSP Partners 2009 membership program and MSP Pro, visit www.msppartners.com. For further information on CompTIA, visit www.CompTIA.org.

About MSP Partners

MSP Partners is an alliance of more than 20 leading vendors that provides research and education to help solution providers stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing market for Managed Services. In its first two years, MSP Partners has attracted more than 4,000 members, who benefit from exclusive research and educational content, all demonstrating the path to success in Managed Services.

  Founders:  Cisco, Intel, Ingram Micro, Level Platforms, and Microsoft
  Platinum:  EMC and HP
  Gold:      ConnectWise, Expedite, Intermedia, and Kaseya
  Silver:    Autotask Corporation, Intronis, i-Witness, iTWatch, MX Logic,
             ROBOBAK, Storage Guardian and Vembu Storegrid
  For more information, visit www.msppartners.com.


  Media Contact
  Jim Hamilton
  MSP Partners
  Tel: 866 523-6777
  Email: marketing@msppartners.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: franzman@beyondwords.com

SOURCE: Everything Channel; MSP Partners

CONTACT: Media, Jim Hamilton of MSP Partners, 1-866-523-6777,
marketing@msppartners.com

Web Site: http://www.msppartners.com/