Cloud Computing & Managed Services Standards
The mission of the MSP Alliance is to promote the Cloud Computing and Managed Services Industry as a true and viable profession to the Business Consumer. Because each and every one of our members agrees to follow a strict code of ethics, consumers of Cloud Computing and Managed Services can have greater assurance that they are dealing with reputable, qualified, and trustworthy providers.
In addition, the MSP Alliance was the first organization to develop a standard of technical and operational best practices for its members, a standard which was uniquely developed for MSPs by MSPs. The MSPAlliance standard, called the Unified Certification Standard for Cloud & Managed Service Providers, was created a decade ago in response to the need for MSPs and business consumers to have greater trust and transparency into how managed IT services are consumed and delivered.
Managed Services Education
MSPAlliance also conducts educational programs for its membership and the end-user community so that businesses will have an easier time finding qualified and reputable MSP organizations all over the world to partner with, network with, learn, and grow.
Channel Involvement
MSPAlliance also works closely with respected software and hardware vendors from around the world, helping advance the professionalism, ethics, and integrity of Managed Service and Cloud Computing. By helping to bridge the gap between vendors and service providers, MSPAlliance aids in the delivery of highly valuable products and solutions to the consumer.
Our Code of Ethics
The MSP Alliance Cloud & Managed Service Provider’s Code of Ethics & Conduct provides a clearly defined set of standards that every member agrees to adhere to. It covers key areas of their business, such as ensuring client confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interests, and dealing with their clients in a professional manner at all times.
This written commitment separates MSPAlliance members from their competitors. As the only industry organization with this type of client assurance, it shows why businesses entrust the care of their IT systems to our members.
Introduction
This Code puts forth the professional standards required by MSPAlliance (MSPA) members as a condition of membership.
- The Code applies to members as well as non-members who offer their services as part of their MSPAlliance Membership.
- The term ‘appropriate authority’ relates to any person or organization with authority over your individual activities. For practicing manage service professionals, this typically refers to an employer or client.
- The Code guides personal conduct of the individual members of the MSPA. Members are required to notify MSPA of significant violations of this code by other MSPA members.
Public and Client Welfare
- Members will endeavor to perform their work with care and professionalism according to the appropriate authority’s requirements and with concern for end-users. If professional judgment is not followed, members should provide an explanation as to the likely risks and consequences.
- In a professional capacity, MSPA members should have consideration for the public health, safety, and environment.
- Members should be considerate of the rights of third parties, including professional colleagues or members of ‘the public’ who might be affected by manage service projects.
- Within their areas of professional expertise, members will have knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards, and comply with such requirements. In the international context, members should be aware of and understand the requirements of law specific to the jurisdiction within which they are working and, where relevant, to supranational legislation (i.e., EU legislation).
- Members will conduct professional activities without discrimination against clients or colleagues.
Avoiding Conflict of Interest
- MSPA members will avoid any situation that may create a conflict of interest between their company and clients. Full and immediate disclosure to customers is required if a conflict is likely to occur.
- Members will reject any offer of bribery or inducement.
Client Confidentiality & Representation
- MSPA members will not disclose or authorize to be disclosed, or use for personal gain or to benefit a third party, confidential information except with the permission of the appropriate authority, or at the direction of a court of law.
- Members will not misrepresent or withhold information on the performance of products, systems or services, or take advantage of the lack of knowledge or inexperience of others.
Cloud Computing & Manage Service Profession
- Members will uphold the reputation and good standing of the MSPA in particular, and the manage service profession in general, and will seek to improve professional standards through participation in their development, use, and enforcement.
- Members of MSPA also have a wider responsibility to promote public understanding of manage service – its benefits and pitfalls – and, whenever practical, to correct any erroneous information that brings or could bring the profession into disrepute.
- Members should encourage and support fellow MSPA members in their professional development and, where possible, provide opportunities for the professional development of new affiliates. Mutual assistance between manage service practitioners furthers the reputation of the profession and supports the success of its individual members.
- MSPA members will act with integrity in their relationships with other members of MSPA and with individuals in other occupations with whom they work in a professional capacity.
- Members will consider the possible consequences of their statements on others. They will not make any public statement in a professional capacity unless properly qualified and, where appropriate, authorized to do so. Members will not speak on behalf of or represent MSPA unless specifically approved to do so.
- The offering of an opinion in public (holding oneself out to be an expert in the subject in question) is a personal responsibility and should not be done lightly.
- To give an opinion that subsequently proves ill founded is a disservice to the profession and to MSPA.
- Members will notify MSPA immediately if convicted of a criminal offense or filing for bankruptcy, or if disqualified as a company executive.
Professional Advancement and Education
- MSPA members will seek to upgrade their professional knowledge and skill and will maintain awareness of technological developments, procedures, and standards which are relevant to their field and encourage subordinates to follow through on the same commitments.
Cloud Computing & Managed Service Professional Competence and Integrity
- Members will not position themselves as experts in areas where they are not. They will only offer to do work or provide a service that is within their professional competencies.
- MSPA members can determine their own professional competence for undertaking particular jobs or roles by asking themselves questions such as 1) Am I familiar with the technology involved, or have I worked with similar technologies before? 2) Have I successfully completed similar projects in the past? 3) Can I demonstrate adequate knowledge of the specific business and/or technical requirements successfully to perform the work?
- Members will observe the relevant MSPA Codes of Practice and all other standards which, using the member’s best judgment, are relevant. They will also encourage colleagues to follow the same practices.
- Members will accept professional responsibility for their work and for the work of colleagues who operate under their supervision.
Unified Certification Standard for Cloud & Managed Service Providers
- Any and all disclosures and representations made in a member’s responses during the MSPAlliance MSP/Cloud Verify certification will be truthful (to the best of their knowledge). If, at any time, members or agents of their company become aware that a response to the certification is false, they must contact the MSPAlliance as quickly as possible to correct the erroneous response.
- View the MSPA Code of Ethics-French
- View the MSPA Code of Ethics-Spanish
- View the MSPA Code of Ethics-German
Leadership
The MSPAlliance Advisory Board is comprised of managed service provider executives, all of whom work for MSP businesses who have been examined under the MSP/Cloud Verify Program. The board is responsible for, among other things, overseeing the Unified Certification Standard, providing guidance on MSPWorld conferences, and other necessary leadership on a variety of issues facing the MSPAlliance.
Members of the MSPAlliance Leadership Council
The MSPAlliance Leadership Council Members is comprised of managed service provider executives, all of whom work for MSP businesses who have been examined under the MSP/Cloud Verify Program. The board is responsible for, among other things, overseeing the Unified Certification Standard, providing guidance on MSPWorld conferences, and other necessary leadership on a variety of issues facing the MSPAlliance.
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