Technology news in brief

OTC adds A+ training

Two classes to prepare students for A+ Certification are now being offered in Ozarks Technical Community College's electronics and computer repair technology departments. According to an OTC news release, the Computer Technology Industry Association's A+ Certification process comprises two exams in core hardware and operating systems technology. The tests require knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems and networkfundamentals.

The two classes, Microcomputer Repair I and Microcomputer Maintenance and Repair II, are each four-credit-hour courses that closely follow the A+ objectives for the tests. They can be taken in consecutive semesters for a total of eight credit hours, which includes approximately 96 hours of hands-on instruction. The courses can be taken as part of a degree program or simply in preparation for the A+ Certification exams.

Mercy Genesis Project

Jay Guffey was appointed by the Sisters of Mercy Health System to the position of vice president-clinical services for the Genesis Project. The Genesis Project is an initiative that will transform work processes and information technology across the Mercy System, which includes St. John's Health System. Guffey has been with Mercy for more than 25 years, most recently serving as clinical vice president at St. John's. He holds a bachelor's degree in respiratory care and a master's degree in business administration from Southwest Missouri State University.

Baker joins Mo. Tech Corp.

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden appointed Jim Baker of Ozark to the Missouri Technology Corporation, which advises the Department of Economic Development and the governor regarding business development opportunities related to new technologies and products.

Baker is the assistant to the president of Southwest Missouri State University, chancellor of the SMSU-Mountain Grove campus, coordinator the SMSU-extended campus and director of the Ozarks Studies Institute. He replaces Delbert Day, whose term expired.

Linux Red Hat training

A growing number of area businesses' switching to Linux operating systems has prompted Southwest Missouri State University's Computer Institute to partner with Maryville Technologies to offer Linux Red Hat Enterprise Edition training. The continuing education courses are now forming and will begin in March.

"Moving to the Linux platform can save a business thousands of dollars in software licensing fees," said Ron Green, technology coordinator at the SMSU Computer Institute, in a news release. "Linux certification is one of the hottest certifications available. These courses prepare the student to install, configure and maintain the Linux platform."

Chamber offers wi-fi

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is offering free wireless Internet access to visitors at the John Q. Hammons Enterprise Center. Anyone whose laptop has a wireless card that is properly configured can visit the chamber and access the Internet. The addition of wireless fidelity or wi-fi will allow people who are visiting the Enterprise building for meetings, luncheons or seminars to check e-mail, download presentations and complete other applications.

Chism on Microsoft site

Tips from Springfield area speaker Marlene Chism who's also a regular SBJ columnist are featured on the Microsoft Online Web site via a link under the headline, "Don't Take it From Us." The link leads to an article by Chism that offers practical tips for organizing and developing presentations.

"Often, a speaker's anxiety has more to do with developing a good speech than the actual fear of speaking in public," said Chism, who is president of ICARE Presentations, in a news release. "Procrastination and confusion really point to development anxiety, which can be overcome with techniques."

Her article, "Developing Presentations," first appeared on Web Site Estates, a site that educates business professionals in sales, marketing and presenting.

All Comm

President's Club Award

All Comm Technologies, which provides voice, data and digital dictation equipment and service, was selected by Vodavi Technology Inc. to join the recently established 2003 President's Club. Vodavi Technology Inc. provides traditional and next-generation business telecommunications solutions. The President's Club recognizes dealers' sales performance, technical expertise and customer satisfaction. All Comm has been a Vodavi dealer for more than 30 years, and is one of 18 Vodavi authorized dealers to earn the President's Club honor.