CertIndex tops 120 verified MSP members in Australasia

CertIndex has grown to more than 120 verified, ISO-certified managed service provider members across Australasia in its first year. The directory describes itself as the first dedicated platform in Australia and New Zealand for IT service providers and vendors with JASANZ-accredited ISO certifications.

Developed by ISO365, the platform launched in response to what it described as a lack of any central source showing which MSPs in Australia and New Zealand held recognised ISO certification. More than 30 members joined within a week of launch, and membership is expected to reach 250 within the next six months.

CertIndex is focused on procurement and verification for technology suppliers. It lists MSPs and vendors whose certifications have been independently checked against recognised accreditation frameworks before publication.

That verification process has also exposed problems in parts of the certification market. ISO365 said some applicants were rejected because their certification had been issued by bodies not recognised by JASANZ, the joint accreditation authority for Australia and New Zealand.

"Before CertIndex, it was impossible to establish a list of ISO-certified MSPs in Australia and New Zealand - even through JASANZ, which is Australia's and New Zealand's accreditation authority," said Jason Maricchiolo, Chief Executive Officer, ISO365.

He said the directory was designed to give procurement teams a way to check supplier claims before selecting a technology partner. Users can search by location, certification, technologies, operating hours, team size and sectors.

"We believe that makes CertIndex the first and only platform that enables procurement teams to filter and select a suitably ISO-certified partner with confidence, knowing that every MSP's certification has been independently verified," Maricchiolo said.

Verification issues

Maricchiolo said some service providers seeking membership did not realise their current ISO certification was not valid in Australia and New Zealand. He said the issue often stemmed from the use of what he described as a "certification mill" or a non-accredited body.

"We've had applications from MSPs whose accreditation has come through what we call a 'certification mill' or non-accredited body and isn't recognised by JASANZ. So far, we've had to knock back around seven applications because of this. It's distressing, but at least it surfaces the problem so it can be addressed," Maricchiolo said.

The issue points to wider confusion in the market over the difference between certification and accreditation. In procurement, that distinction can matter for buyers seeking assurance that supplier claims have been independently validated.

Each member receives a letter that can be attached to tender responses to verify its ISO accreditation. The document is intended for suppliers responding to technology procurement exercises in both the public and private sectors.

Procurement focus

The company positions the directory as a tool for procurement teams, government agencies, insurers and technology buyers seeking suppliers with recognised ISO certifications. Its aim is to create a searchable source of accredited technology providers in a market where compliance claims can be difficult to compare.

Maricchiolo linked the service to broader policy efforts around trust in the technology supply chain. He said access to independently verified certification information could support transparency in supplier selection.

"The availability of independently verified certification information also supports broader efforts to improve transparency and trust across Australia's technology supply chain. This lines up with the government's Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to make Australia a global leader in cyber security by 2030. ISO certification represents a considerable investment for an MSP in terms of time, money and effort - not only to initially gain it, but to maintain it. CertIndex protects their interests," Maricchiolo said.

ISO365 said the platform was created in response to confusion around ISO certification and accreditation, and to help organisations that have invested in accredited certification distinguish themselves in a crowded IT services market. CertIndex currently covers Australia and New Zealand and focuses on MSPs and technology providers operating across the region.

"This is something that offers MSPs a real competitive advantage," Maricchiolo said.