IT Security 2.0, Tubeless Toilet Paper and Things That Kill a Business

It’s the end of the year, so I’ve been thinking about CompTIA’s IT Security community and plans for 2011. So, what could tubeless toilet paper and things that kill a business possibly have to do with IT Security 2.0? Read on… 

I recently read that Kimberly-Clark is embarking on the biggest change in toilet paper in 100 years – it’s going tubeless. This simple innovation in a very large but stagnant (no pun intended) market could make a significant impact on our world. In addition to eliminating an estimated 160 million pounds of trash annually, this innovation could provide  major cost savings for Kimberly-Clark and have a significant impact on their bottom line (again, no pun intended). It just goes to show that innovation is possible anywhere, even in very large and mature industries.

IT Security hasn’t been around for 100 years, but it’s the seasoned veteran of computer technology when compared to newer business practices such as virtualization and managed IT services. Despite its maturity, constant changes in the IT industry — and an ever increasing reliance on IT to support business — continues to drive opportunity in the IT Security space. Will we see a tubeless toilet paper equivalent develop in the IT Security industry in 2011? How will IT Security resellers adapt to new challenges, such as the proliferation of wireless devices, apps and cloud computing? What resources can your industry trade association develop to help IT resellers boldly take advantage of these new opportunities?

Building on this thought, when contemplating future plans in my earlier business start up days, I recall listening to our CEO ask “what kills a business?” A number of answers were offered, including poor vision, lack of execution, and poor market research – none being the answer he was looking for based on the grimace on his face. “Running out of cash kills a business,” he barked; disdainfully answering his own question.  The stark, cold reality of his answer struck me at that point in time and has stayed with me to this day.

When thinking about 2011 for the CompTIA IT Security community, this no-nonsense approach to addressing the concerns of business is top of mind. What is the primary concern of an IT Security reseller? Stay in business. How can CompTIA best help IT Security resellers? The answer to these questions (it seems to me) lies in helping resellers successfully transition and grow their security practice with educational guides and industry best practices to take advantage of new market opportunities. In short – we can help them make money.

I invite you to join me as we plan for bigger and better ways to take advantage of new security opportunities and assist the growth of our industry in 2011 and beyond. Feel free to post a comment here on the top IT security business challenges facing resellers in 2011. Even better, send an email to communities@comptia.org and join me in planning for IT Security Community 2.0.