The information technology (IT) industry channel of 2023 teems more technology solutions, greater opportunities for specialization and room to succeed for everyone from legacy firms to new market entrants, according to new research published by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce. 

"The channel is healthy and evolving with new technology solutions, new players, new rules of engagement, and new customer habits," said Carolyn April, senior director, industry analysis, CompTIA. "The majority of firms feel good about business prospects, whether they're competing in the traditional arenas of reselling and infrastructure, focus on consulting and services or represent new and adjacent channel types."

The generally positive outlook detailed in CompTIA's "State of the Channel" report is likely bolstered by recent financial results. Two-thirds of companies said their profitability generally increased over the past two years, mainly in the areas of business consulting, IT consulting, and managed services.

Within the managed services market, 52% of managed service providers (MSPs) say that cybersecurity services are the most requested offering by customers. In response, 42% of MSPs said they hired personnel with specific cybersecurity skill sets in the last year. A similar percentage (41%) retrained their existing workforce to update their cybersecurity skills.

Still, channel firms that concentrate on product sales and break-fix services "can still stay in a traditional lane and find a market to run their business," April said.