Time is running out to submit nomination for the 2015 IT Hall of Fame, with the window set to close Jan. 13.
CompTIA re-established the IT Hall of Fame in 2011. The honor has shined light on the contributions of “hundreds of iconic figures, game-changers and visionaries who have built, expanded and shaped the industry,” according to a press release announcing the nomination process.
Among those who’ve already earned IT Hall of Fame status are John Chambers, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Bob Metcalfe and Gordon Moore. The 2014 class included Susan Kare, designer of many typefaces, icons and marketing materials for the original Apple Macintosh operating system; and Robert Faletra, chief executive officer of The Channel Company.
“The IT Hall of Fame is the who’s who of the IT industry, representing those individuals who have had, and in many cases continue to have a powerful and lasting impact on our industry,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA, in the announcement of the opening of nominations. “Recognizing these iconic individuals, organizations and technologies provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the evolution and innovation that differentiates the IT industry.”
The IT Hall of Fame honors individuals in two categories of excellence: The IT Channel and The IT Innovators.
The IT Channel category recognizes people “who have made outstanding contributions or provided outstanding service to the IT channel,” according to the announcement. Among the factors that make a strong candidate are experience in the channel; innovative product, service or marketing introductions; service in an important capacity related to the channel; an unimpeachable record of integrity and respect; and prominence in promoting public awareness of the IT channel.
The IT Innovators category honors “individuals responsible for outstanding innovations in technology,” according to CompTIA. Nominees “should be the creator or co-creator of a major innovation and have an unimpeachable record of integrity and respect in the industry,” the announcement says.
Candidates for the IT Hall of Fame must be retired for at least two years from the position for which they are being nominated, but may otherwise be active in the industry. An individual who has served as an IT industry pioneer, has uniquely helped the IT channel flourish or is responsible for a major innovation is eligible for the IT Hall of Fame. Current voting members of the CompTIA Board of Directors may not be nominated for induction during their board tenure.
Technology solution providers, vendors, distributors, journalists or analysts, may submit nominations for the IT Hall of Fame. An independent selection committee of industry leaders will select the new IT Hall of Fame members.
New inductees into the IT Hall of Fame will be recognized at the CompTIA Annual Member meeting, planned for March 24-26, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
