 Home Industry Press Releases Industry Press Release Article
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Friday: March 18, 2005 |
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CompTIA SEARS CONNECTED HOME TO HIRE CERTIFIED INTEGRATORS Hoffman Estates, Ill., — Sears Connected Home, specializing in wiring new homes to support today’s sophisticated home theater and computer systems, is requiring all of its installation integrators earn a Home Technology Integrator (HTI+) certification. The requirement will give customers assurance that Sears Connected Home integrators are trained using the best practices when networked products are installed within new and existing homes. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and Internet Home Alliance jointly developed the HTI+ certification program. John Venator, president and CEO of CompTIA, applauded Sears’ decision. “Integrating the connected home requires specialized knowledge,” Venator said. “Certification distinguishes professionals who have mastered this difficult regimen. The HTI+ logo on a business card provides a valuable consumer trust mark.” HTI+ certification demonstrates the working knowledge and skill sets necessary to support the installation and support tasks for the connected home, including electro-mechanical systems such as computers, lighting controls, telecommunications, security, and entertainment systems that enhance a consumer's comfort, safety and convenience. A certified HTI+ technician must demonstrate knowledge of best practices in: Designing, implementing, and maintaining a home network Selecting and integrating consumer electronic products and services Coordinating and managing the installation of products and services “Sears Connected Home wants to ensure our customers are working with certified professionals with expertise in networking products and systems — everything from entertainment centers and computers to telecommunication, broadband cable, and security systems,” said Bob Baker, director of Sears Integrated Services, Business Development. Integrators interested in learning more about the Sears Connected Home Integrator Program can visit www.homedirector.com/Sears for more information. About Sears Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a broadline retailer with significant service and credit businesses. In 2002, the company’s annual revenue was $41 billion. The company offers its wide range of apparel, home and automotive products and services to families in the U.S. through Sears stores nationwide, including approximately 870 full-line stores. Sears also offers a variety of merchandise and services through its Web sites, sears.com and landsend.com, and a variety of specialty catalogs. About CompTIA CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For more than 20 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its more than 15,000 members in 89 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 Internet Home Alliance Internet Home Alliance is a cross-industry network of leading companies advancing the home technology market. A non-profit organization, the Alliance provides companies with the collaboration, research and real-world testing opportunities they need to launch their home technology products more quickly, successfully and cost effectively. Members of the Alliance come from a variety of industries and include such leading companies as Best Buy Co. Inc, Cisco Systems, Inc., General Motors, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM, Invensys, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Corporation of America), Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sun Microsystems and Whirlpool Corporation. For more information, visit www.internethomealliance.com. MEDIA CONTACTS Elizabeth J. Spalding CompTIA 630-678-8330 [email protected] Willy Medina Sears, Roebuck and Co. 847-286-1624 |