As small businesses seek to expand their use of technology, the large majority acknowledge that they have much work to do. Less than one in five small businesses say they are exactly where they want to be with technology, according to CompTIA's March 2015 research report Enabling SMBs with Technology.

Small businesses are more than willing to team with a technology partner to close that gap. Two-thirds of firms say they're likely to seek outside help and expertise as they consider new strategic uses of technology. But how does a small business identify the right partner?

One resource they can utilize is to look for technology companies that are part of the CompTIA Trustmark Program.

"For any small business seeking a technology partner, a CompTIA Trustmark is a clear indicator of an IT firm that meets or exceeds the best business and technology practices our industry has to offer, and delivers sustained quality service," said Nancy Hammervik, senior vice president, industry relations, CompTIA.

CompTIA offers six trustmarks in cloud computing, managed IT services, managed print services, security and business operations. Each of these vendor-neutral credentials was developed with the guidance of industry experts and leaders in the respective domains.

To earn a CompTIA Trustmark, a technology company must:
    --  Follow an industry code of conduct.
    --  Strive for operational excellence
    --  Adhere to prescribed management principles
    --  Provide quality service: employs industry-proven

As part of the CompTIA Trustmark approval process, companies also must provide customer references to validate the quality and types of services they deliver.

"Many of our Trustmark holders are themselves small businesses," Hammervik noted. "So they truly understand the challenges or running a small company. But they also understand how technology can be used affordably and efficiently to overcome those challenges."

To date more than 560 technology companies worldwide - including 300 in the United States - have earned a CompTIA Trustmark.

The CompTIA Trustmark(TM) Directory provides links to all businesses that have earned any of the credentials. Clicking on a company's name reveals a unique profile listing, including information on the firm, areas of expertise and how to contact them. The Directory is available at http://www.comptia.org/trustmarks/trustmark-directory.