Comptia to continue Hall of Fame tradition

Oakbrook Terrace-based Comptia, an association for information technology professionals, is starting a virtual IT Hall of Fame to honor innovators.

The Hall of Fame will follow what industry publication CRN has done for several years, recognize individuals who have made great strides.

“The IT industry has spawned many great business leaders, innovators and innovations. It's fitting for the leading trade association for the industry to recognize these accomplishments,” said Comptia spokesman Steven Ostrowski.

Comptia's Hall of Fame is new, but it will include a number of industry leaders previously honored in the CRN hall. They include: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer; Compaq Computer co-founder and CEO Rod Canion; Dell founder and CEO Michael Dell; Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates; Intel chairman and CEO Andrew Grove; Hewlett-Packard co-founders William Hewlett and David Packard; Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs; and Vernon Hills-based CDW founder and CEO Michael Krasny.

While the Hall of Fame will be virtual, it may be incorporated in some way into the association's new headquarters in Downers Grove after it moves on Monday, Ostrowski said.

Inductees for 2011 will be announced at a luncheon that will be part of the CompTIA annual meeting on April 7 in Chicago, Ostrowski said.

Nominations are open and any individual, living or deceased, who has pioneered or uniquely helped the IT channel flourish or who is responsible for a major IT innovation, is eligible. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1.

Nominees will be voted on by the Hall of Fame selection committee, which will choose between two and six individuals.

For more information about the IT Hall of Fame, see www.comptia.org/IT-HoF.

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