Green IT Opportunities and Strategies Discussions Planned for CompTIA Breakaway 2010

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CompTIA, the non-profit trade association for the information technology (IT) industry, announced today its Breakaway 2010 conference will include educational content on opportunities for technology companies in the burgeoning market for green IT applications and solutions.

“In the current environment Green IT is not simply window dressing or a feel good marketing tool”

Breakaway 2010, North America’s premier event for IT channel companies, is scheduled for Aug. 9 – 12 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio, Texas.

“Corporate social responsibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and a myriad of related issues are the subjects of business boardroom discussions everywhere,” said Kelly Ricker, vice president, events, CompTIA. “Opportunities to help businesses meet their green goals are multiplying for IT companies. At Breakaway we’ll offer a compelling series of discussions led by industry leaders that will help companies understand and address the unique needs and requirements of the green IT market.”

Among the green activities planned at Breakaway is a panel discussion titled “Selling the Green IT Promise”, set for 11:30 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The session will cover collaboration technologies and software applications that can help companies monitor and reduce their carbon footprints; how to leverage green-friendly IT practices; opportunities with the Energy Star Program; and Green IT certifications.

Scheduled speakers include Levy Antal, vice president, business development, Image Microsystems, Inc., a provider of technology restoration, reverse logistics, e-waste recycling, and recycled plastic products manufacturing; and John Mehrmann, chief executive officer, Zylog Systems Ltd., a global technology integrator and business solution provider. Respected technology industry journalist Heather Clancy will moderate the discussion.

“In the current environment Green IT is not simply window dressing or a feel good marketing tool,” said Antal. “It is a legally regulated and scrutinized business problem that can directly affect the bottom line. Finding solutions that address the myriad of issues surrounding how to implement effective Green IT processes are essential for reducing liability and assuring business success.”

Companies in a variety of markets are stepping up their activities in the green IT arena, according to the 2009 CompTIA study Green IT: Insights and Opportunities. Among the findings, 77 percent of organizations surveyed expect to have a comprehensive green IT strategy within the next five years, covering issues such as energy consumption, equipment usage, recycling and other green activities. One in five organizations now have budget allocated specifically for green IT initiatives.

Breakaway offers technology companies a unique stage to promote their products, recruit business partners and interact with more than one thousand conference attendees. Attendees can participate in educational tracks covering key technology areas such as healthcare IT, cyber security and managed IT services. Breakaway also provides a unique forum for peer-to-peer networking with other business leaders to share ideas and advice on how to grow an IT business.

CompTIA reseller, vendor and distributor members can attend Breakaway for free, but registration is required. The conference also is open to non-members, including technology resellers, distributors and vendors. The non-member reseller registration price is $250, while the non-member vendor or distributor registration price is $650. The non-member registration can be applied toward the cost of a one-year membership in CompTIA. For more information on CompTIA Breakaway visit http://www.comptia.org/breakaway/default.aspx.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.