CompTIA to Address RFID Skills Issues at RFID Connect Asia 2007.

SINGAPORE -- The need for workers with validated skills in radio frequency identification (RFID) and the impact a worker shortage could have on adoption of the technology will be addressed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) at the RFID Connect Asia 2007 conference here March 5 and 6.

Michael Mudd, director of public policy, Asia-Pacific, for CompTIA, who will chair the two-day event, also will speak on "Addressing the Gap in RFID Work Specific Training" at RFID Connect Asia 2007 on Monday, March 5. RFID Connect Asia 2007 is Asia's foremost conference on RFID technology.

"RFID is not yet a plug-and-play technology," Mudd said. "Each deployment is unique; and within each deployment any number of variables can affect success or failure. Most of the skills that are lacking are in the areas of understanding how the physics of radio frequencies work; and how to tag items so that they are readable. To execute any RFID initiative successfully there is a need for trained and certified professionals with knowledge and experience in radio frequency engineering and design; supply chain management; logistics; warehouse management; and familiarity with RFID products and standards, among other skills."

CompTIA has worked with more than 20 organizations with leadership positions in RFID technology to develop an industry accepted credential that validates a technician's knowledge and skills in the areas of installation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of hardware and software functionality of RFID products. CompTIA RFID+[TM] is a vendor-neutral certification that addresses critical skills related to the installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of hardware and software functionality of RFID products.

Mudd noted that there are more RFID educational offerings available today, making it possible for organizations to measure the capabilities of their employees, consultants and contractors. In Singapore, for example, Siemens PTE Ltd. Automation and Drives and training provider RFID4U recently concluded their first two vendor-neutral training programs. Technicians from Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong Thailand and Taiwan took part in the four-day course in preparation for the CompTIA RFID+ certification exam.

For more information on CompTIA RFID+, please visit http://certification.comptia.org/rfid/default.aspx.

About CompTIA

For 25 years, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has served as the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Today, the Association represents the business interests of more than 20,000 member companies in more than 100 countries worldwide. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry; helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and assisting individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org.