US-based industry body, Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), has announced a new local IT society, starting in October, which it claims will be complementary to the Australian Computer Society.
IT Pro Australia would recruit technology professionals based on vendor qualifications, regional director, Danika Bakalich, said. It had industry backing from Sun, Oracle, Microsoft and HP.
Its inception stemmed from a CompTIA vendor steering committee that identified the need for specific education and training, Bakalich said.
Its parent, lobby group CompTIA, has operated in Australia for three years and lists 300 local companies as members. Its activities had included acting as an information conduit between the channel and vendors, she said.
It was now seeking individuals as well, Bakalich said.
Ahead of the official launch, a membership website would go live in mid-August, she said.
Membership costs $85 for individuals, with benefits including access to vendor-based training courses and specialist forums. However, the society would not conflict with the Australian Computer Society (ACS), she said.
"We are complementary to the ACS because it focuses more on higher education whereas IT Pro membership is vendor certified," Bakalich said.
Both organisations were considering acknowledging each others training programs, she said.