ABCD ROLLS OUT A+ CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR MICROCOMPUTER SERVICE
TECHNICIANS

Program supported by major vendors, resellers and distributors aims to
improve service and increase consumer confidence by setting new standards
for technical competency

April 27, 1993 -- LOMBARD, IL - abcd: The Microcomputer Industry
Association today announced that testing and certification of
microcomputer service technicians has begun under phase one of its A+
Certification Program -- the first industry-wide, vendor-independent
certification program for the microcomputer industry.

Service technician certification is aimed at establishing a new
microcomputer industry standard for technical competency. Subsequent
phases of the A+ Certification Program will be targeted at certifying
other jobs essential to the growth of the microcomputer industry.

"The A+ Certification Program, which is backed by many of the industry's
largest vendors, resellers, publications and distributors provides
significant benefits to all industry segments -- particularly our
customers," said Richard Stopa, abcd chairman and vice president and
assistant general manager, indirect operations division of Inacom Corp.
"Phase one of the A+ Certification Program, through the testing of service
technicians, will increase consumer confidence in the microcomputer
industry and its distribution channels. As the first certification program
that has invited total industry participation, we expect the A+
Certification Program to be an unqualified success.

"Surveys we conducted found that customers who are dissatisfied with
service are usually vocal about their problems, killing repeat sales and
putting a damper on referral business. The A+ Certification Program will
help resellers and vendors to build repeat and referral business by
assuring that customers are serviced right the first time," Stopa said.

More than 150 service technicians have already taken the beta test from
Drake Training & Technologies, abcd's partner in developing and
implementing the program. Drake, which has nearly 300 testing centers
worldwide, is the leading supplier of computer-based examinations to the
computer industry.

Widespread Industry Support

Nearly $500,000 has been contributed by industry leading companies to
establish the A+ Certification Program. These companies are led by the
following Cornerstone Sponsors: Apple Computer, COMPAQ Computer, CompuCom
Systems, Inc., CompUSA, Computer Reseller News, Digital Equipment Corp.,
Exide Electronics, Hayes Microcomputer Products, JWP Information Services,
Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM PC Company NA, Inacom, Ingram Micro, Intel
Corp., Intelligent Electronics, Conner Storage Systems Group (formerly
Maynard Electronics), MicroAge, NCR Corp., Packard Bell, PC Week, Tandy
Services, Toshiba America Information Systems and US Robotics. Program
Sponsors include Century Computer Marketing, Epson America, Okidata and
Wurts and Associates.

Cornerstone Sponsors are those companies that have contributed the maximum
dollar amount to the certification program as suggested by abcd, while
Sponsors have donated lesser amounts.

abcd, The Microcomputer Industry Association
450 East 22nd St, Suite 230, Lombard, IL 60148-6158
800-333-9532

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