CompTIA, AIM Global Will Collaborate on RFID Industry Certification Effort; Leading Trade Associations Team to Address Skills Shortage

[November 30, 2004]

CompTIA, AIM Global Will Collaborate on RFID Industry Certification Effort; Leading Trade Associations Team to Address Skills Shortage

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. & WARRENDALE, Pa. --(Business Wire)-- Nov. 30, 2004 -- The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and AIM Global - The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility today announced they are working together to develop a vendor-neutral, multi-dimensional certification program for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

The certification initiative will help address an industry-wide shortage of professionals knowledgeable about RFID. Many companies eager to adopt the technology are beginning to be slowed in their efforts by a scarcity of qualified RFID integrators. Organizations are also challenged because many of the skills required for successful RFID implementations are not typically associated with information technology (IT) staffs. As RFID adoption grows in 2005 and beyond, the skills shortage will become ever more pronounced.

"From the physics of the hardware installation to the challenges of integrating RFID-generated data with existing business processes, a broad base of expertise is required for successful implementation," said David Sommer, vice president, electronic commerce, CompTIA. "Working with AIM, recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, and other organizations we can structure a vendor-neutral certification to address the hardware, software and business process needs created by RFID."

"AIM members can play a critical role in the RFID certification development process through our work with CompTIA," said Dan Mullen, president, AIM Global. "This collaborative effort is in line with our ongoing work to develop educational materials that help business and industry better manage the collection and integration of data with information management systems."

On December 8 and 9, representatives from more than a dozen companies and government agencies are scheduled to meet at CompTIA world headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. to discuss the RFID certification initiative. Issues the group intends to address include the business need for RFID skills development; and the scope and structure of an industry accepted RFID certification.

CompTIA certification programs are the recognized industry standards for a broad range of IT skills. The association currently offers 11 vendor-neutral certifications in personal computer service, networking, document imaging, Internet, personal computer server technologies, Linux, project management, technical training, e-business, security, and integrated home networks. These certifications validate an IT professional's technical expertise; and offer employers a reliable predictor of employee success.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For more than 22 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its 20,000 members in 102 countries. The association is involved in developing standards and best practices, and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is at www.comptia.org.

About AIM Global

AIM Global is the association for and worldwide authority on automatic identification, data collection and networking in a mobile environment. AIM members are providers and users of technologies, systems and services that capture, manage and integrate accurate data into larger information management systems. As a not-for-profit industry organization, AIM's mission is to stimulate the understanding, adoption and use of AIM technology by providing timely, unbiased and commercial-free news and information.

For more information, contact the AIM office at +1 (724) 934-4470. For direct online access to identification and mobility information or additional support, visit the AIM Web site at www.aimglobal.org or www.rfid.org.

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