Tech Industry Impact Update: Tech’s time to shine

Tech for Good: Tech is on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. [CompTIA.org]( While tech businesses are not immune to the current economic challenges, there are signs everywhere of our industry’s resilience and the positive impact it’s making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, the tech industry was increasingly feeling pressure and facing criticism, especially with concerns around security and privacy. Throughout the pandemic, I have been noticing and sharing publicly that it has been tech’s time to shine. Not only has technology kept us connected to work, our families, our friends and our communities during this unprecedented time in history—it’s also playing a critical role in helping our frontline workers. Take health care employees—is there a scarier job right now? The constant risk of possible exposure to the virus is an ongoing concern to those who are most critical in this fight. With so much at stake, medical professionals must feel safe and empowered to work, and their employers and patients need to have confidence that doctors, nurses and other staff are doing everything they can to stay healthy. Technology can make a real difference: TerraHub Technologies, a Canadian developer of automated verification solutions, leveraged its [blockchain solution to allow hospitals and health care workers to verify and track COVID-19 test results]( and self-assessments of employees. Beyond frontline health care workers, technology is making it possible to test for the virus—a critical step in reopening communities. Sirius Technologies, a national solutions integrator, [worked with a health care customer to stand up more than 20 temporary COVID-19 testing facilities](, the first one in less than 48 hours. Other emerging technologies show real promise as we move into new phases of reopening communities around the world: [Researchers are using AI to accelerate clinical trials and work is underway on genome sequencing using high performance computing resources](. Advances in robotics could help keep workers in grocery stores and manufacturing plants safer. As more people choose delivery options for everyday items, IoT and AI are critical to fleet management and logistics efforts. Drones are being used to manage social distancing—and take human temperatures via sensors. First responders are deploying more technologies to trace outbreaks of the virus. The list goes on and on. As May comes to close, I’m optimistic about the road ahead, remembering that right now, our industry is making a positive and lasting impact. I hope that you’ll also keep this in mind as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and help our customers do the same. Be well, Nancy Hammervik Executive Vice President, Industry Relations, CompTIA GOOD READS - Selling technology is about solving your customer’s problems. As budgets tighten, here are [five tips MSPs can use to stay at the top of their sales game](. - Check out the [best small business grants for 2020]( on the CompTIA COVID-19 Resources Forum. WORTH A LISTEN - We shared the [findings from our latest survey of member tech firms]( and how they are coping with the impact of COVID-19 on business operations on a recent LinkedIn Live broadcast. - Also on LinkedIn Live, the Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community discussed the [skills required for the “new normal” and strategies that will help you build a best-in-class technology workforce](. MARK YOUR CALENDAR - Register for [ChannelCon Online]( and join us Aug. 4-6 for three days of learning, connecting and developing the tools necessary to grow your business and prepare for a post-pandemic world. This event is free and open to everyone in the business of technology. RESOURCES FOR THE TECH INDUSTRY - Find [free CompTIA resources]( about managing your remote workforce, cybersecurity preparedness, re-evaluating business strategies, and staff training. - Bookmark our list of [vendor promotions and free or discounted products and services]( for channel partners. - Connect and share valuable information about how organizations of all sizes are coping with the impact of the pandemic on business operations on our [COVID-19 Resources Forum](. You can also [find upcoming, virtual industry events, and add your own](. CompTIA 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100 Downers Grove, IL 60515 [Contact Us]( | [Unsubscribe]( View email [in a browser](.