New resources for members, new programs for workforce development
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., August 10, 2009 – Building on the success of its recent Breakaway conference, CompTIA, the leading trade association for the world’s information technology (IT) industry, said today in the coming weeks it will roll out new member services, workforce development programs and public policy initiatives.
More than 1,000 executives from technology vendors, distributors, resellers, and solution providers attended Breakaway, held Aug. 3-6 in Las Vegas.
“Breakaway served as a rallying point for our industry,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. “New products and services were introduced and great ideas were exchanged.
“Our educational program was strongly focused on delivering advice that attendees can use immediately in their day-to-day operations,” Thibodeaux continued. “This was true of our keynote presentations, industry panel discussions and peer-to-peer meetings. Most importantly Breakaway attendees left Las Vegas with a greater sense of the IT channel as a community, working together for the benefit of our customers.”
To deliver added member value, CompTIA has launched a new Member Resource Center. Members can find companies providing services in finance, logistics, HR, channel consulting, training, public relations, marketing, research, and more. CompTIA members are eligible to receive significant discounts from top quality providers. The CompTIA Member Resource Center also features access to industry mentors, research and business tools all aimed at helping businesses become more efficient, effective and profitable.
Within the next 90 days two new robust online communities for the IT channel are scheduled to launch. The CompTIA Channel Community (C3) is intended to be the world’s premier channel-neutral online community, containing rich content on business solutions and trends, discussion forums, webinars, whitepapers, and other valuable business intelligence. The CompTIA IT Pro Community will provide a place for those who want to enter or advance an IT career to solicit expert advice, network with peers and find critical tools and resources. One of these resources is the CompTIA Career Center, which will match certified job seekers with employers trying to fill IT jobs.
To provide members with more opportunities for face-to-face, peer-to-peer networking, CompTIA will hold four additional events this year beginning with the Managed IT Services Summit, presented in partnership with MSP Partners. Three regional events also are planned for this fall where attendees will participate in business simulations that provide great insights into improving their business.
New workforce development initiatives from CompTIA include the launch of CompTIA Strata, a new credential that offers individuals a broad introduction to computing technology. CompTIA Strata is intended for students pursuing an IT education; individuals considering CompTIA A+ certification; and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of technology. Exams will introduce individuals to fundamental technology concepts, beginning with an introduction to basic hardware components and operating system technologies.
Also at Breakaway, leading workforce training, testing and IT skills certification curriculum providers met with technology vendors and resellers regarding training talent and lowering the cost of IT skills development.
In the public policy arena, CompTIA has created a new political action committee, CompTIA PAC, to focus on the interests of the people and businesses in the IT sector.
The CompTIA Educational Foundation raised more than $97,000 at Breakaway for its Creating Futures program. The donations, raised through the Third Annual Creating Futures Charity Golf Classic, raffles and other activities, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by CompTIA. This will allow more than 400 individuals to receive free training and certification to enable to embark on careers in IT.
About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.