By the way, Qualys has just released an extensive and flexible ticketing system included in its QualysGuard service, which addresses one of your wish list items--almost perfect timing.

Robert Graham
CTO; NuVista Technology Solutions
rograham@compuserve.com



See How the Other Half Lives
Here's a new concept for IT people who want to learn the business side: Talk to those who work there! (See Mike Lee's column "Business Certification for IT," June 13, 2003.) Learn what their jobs are all about. Understand that it takes everyone in an organization to get anything done--the accounting folks can make or break an entire IT project.

In discussing a project's needs with colleagues from other departments, you just might discover that your plan may be out in left field. If you show others respect and spend a few minutes asking them simple questions about their jobs, you'll be amazed at what you learn.

Want support from upper management? First get across-the-board support from your peers. There's this concept called "pride in ownership." Let others become part of the solution--let them have a say in what needs to be done and show them you value their input.

Yes, you'll have to make some compromises, but the process works. I've used it throughout my IT career and have yet to see a project totally rejected. Once your idea has been formulated and agreed upon by colleagues lateral to you, collectively take the idea to each department's superior. Department heads get on board fast when introduced to a project that has been thought through and presented by everyone involved, and once they're on board it's much easier to get those who reside in the crystal palace to see the light.

Claude Dury
Independent consultant
cdury@cox.net



Tech Credentials For CPAs
A certification such as Mike Lee discusses in "Business Certification for IT" does exist. The first criterion is to be a certified public accountant; the second is to complete the certification process to become a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP).

Unlike other credentialing programs, a CITP is awarded only to CPAs who are members of the AICPA [American Institute of Certified Public Accountants]. Accordingly, this designation mandates the highest professional standards of any IT credential.

Other technology certifications tend to be product-specific, skill-specific or highly technical, and thus depend on the success of a product. The CITP, on the other hand, is a long-term, broad-based credential that serves as the bridge between business and technology by leveraging the CPA's strategic and general business skills.

Get more information at www.citponline.com or join CITPTALK@yahoogroups.com.

Anne Stanton
Senior Account Executive, North America Universal Software Corp.
annes@universal-sw.com



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