'Kitemark' to help VARs reach SMEs
Accountants group launches vendor-independent certification
Resellers could finally achieve differentiation in the UK SME sector with new Kitemark-style credentials from a vendor-independent organisation.
The Independent Association of Accountants Information Technology Consultants (IAAITC), launched last year, believes existing vendor accreditations are often "too onerous" for resellers and "confusing" for SMEs.
The body, which pairs accountants with VARs in the SME sector, is launching its own channel accreditation programme this month.
"We are trying to introduce a simpler form of accreditation that recognises the skills that resellers have, and one that SMEs understand," said David Reynolds, chief executive of the IAAITC.
VARs will have to prove competency in five areas to qualify for the IAAITC Accredited Reseller Programme: hardware, networking, support, training and the internet. Benefits will include branded marketing, listing on the IAAITC web site and a certificate of annual membership.
"This will not compete with vendor accreditation schemes but should be seen as a Kitemark of excellence for SMEs to rely on for their basic IT infrastructure requirements," added Reynolds.
Charles Kavazy, director of IT services at accountancy firm and IAAITC member Hawsons, said the initiative will provide mutually beneficial business for VARs and accountants.
"The IAAITC scheme allows us to form genuine partnerships with resellers," he said.
Tom Crosbie, managing director of VAR Crosbie IT, said many SMEs are afraid of IT and believe resellers are expensive. "This scheme, along with recommendations from a trusted accountant, will educate SMEs that resellers understand their needs better than they think," he said.