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CompTIA Renews Commitment to Managed Services Advancement, Technology Skills Development

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 August 2007, 00:03 CDT

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) opened its annual Breakaway conference here today by renewing its commitment to helping the information technology (IT) industry and its customers benefit from the trend toward managed technology services.

"The trend toward managed services is transforming the technology market," Wayne Mize, outgoing chairman of the CompTIA Board of Directors, said at the conference's opening general session. "Customers want proactive management that assures uptime of their networks and applications rather than reducing downtime. CompTIA is committed to assisting our industry in selling and profiting from managed services."

This year's Breakaway conference has attracted nearly 1,200 attendees to the Mirage Resort and Casino here; and 120 exhibitors are participating in the Breakaway Solutions Pavilion.

The change brought on by the shift toward managed technology services is prompting CompTIA to broaden its reach beyond traditional technology companies, Mize noted. "We've expanded our reach to IT professionals in industries such as healthcare, government and manufacturing."

Mize also noted that to meet business's needs for new and updated technology skills, in the past year CompTIA launched two new certifications for technology professionals, and embarked on a major update of a third.

CompTIA Convergence+, launched this spring, validates knowledge and skill in the area of communications technologies where data, voice, video, and broadcast multimedia technologies are combined in a single IP-based delivery system.

CEA-CompTIA Digital Home Technology Integrator+ certification (CEA-CompTIA DHTI+), developed in collaboration with the Consumer Electronics Association, covers all aspects of the connected home focusing on the personal computer as the controlling hub. It is targeted at home technology system installers and integrators who install, maintain and service digital home products.

CompTIA A+ certification, the industry-recognized skills benchmark for entry into a technology career, was updated in 2006 to reflect the evolving skills required for individuals embarking on a career in technology and by the employers who hire them.

"The updated CompTIA A+ reflects the changing skills required for individuals seeking careers in technology," said Mize. "It covers both technology essentials and specialized skills in different computer service and support roles. To date, approximately 25,000 individuals have taken the new CompTIA A+ exams."

This year's Breakaway conference is also the culmination of CompTIA's 25th anniversary celebration. The organization began in 1982 with representatives of five micro-computer dealerships looking to work together to find better ways to do business. Today, CompTIA has members in more than 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world's $1 trillion-plus IT industry.

Breakaway continues though Thursday, August 2.

About CompTIA

In 2007, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Just as the IT industry it serves has grown, CompTIA has also enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 25 years. The organization was founded by representatives of five micro-computer dealerships working together to find better ways to do business. Today, CompTIA has more than 22,000 member companies in over 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world's $1 trillion-plus IT industry. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry by helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and by helping individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org.

Source: Business Wire

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