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Continuing education & training keyto information technology successBy Richard S. Smith, RCDD, NTS, OSPForward-thinking electrical contractors and electriciansadding datacom, low-voltageIP-addressable products to the list of their onestopservices in an effort to keep pace withtechnological change have the same educational challengesas students who are considering a new career inAre You Ready ForAffordable OutdoorLED Lighting?Save energy and relamping costs withLED Wallpacks, Area Lights, Floodlights & Bollardswww.rclighting.caWallpacks Area Lights Floodlights BollardsMaking Energy Efficiency Easy for You888 722-1000 sales@rclighting.cainformation technology infrastructure.Technological change is the greatequalizer in the industry today. A person’sknowledge of what works becauseof how it always used to work is aboutas useful as sunscreen at night. To theinformation transport systems (ITS)industry, your understanding of thetransmission of infrared bandwidthlight pulses or electrical signals needsto keep up with changes impactingtransmission. The productivity, profitabilityand credibility of today’s ITScompany is impacted by its employees’ability to make informed decisionsabout installing IP-addressable deviceson good quality, properly designed ITinfrastructure.Productivity and liability are integralcomponents of ITS and many otherindustries. Knowing how to simplymake connections quickly with compatibleproducts is as important as itever was; however, knowing ‘best practices’defined by subject matter experts(SMEs) is a very productive way ofbecoming the best in the industry.Install times are still important, butonly when there are no repair calls ordata throughput issues.Whether you have been in theindustry for decades or you are juststarting to consider a new career in ITat the infrastructure level, it is importantthat you are aware of, and staycurrent in, new and changing lifesafety codes, performance-focusedstandards and best practice information—allof which combine withindustry expertise to maximize productivityand minimize liability.BICSI is a globally focused associationthat works to improve anindividual’s knowledge specific to ITinfrastructure. Electrical contractorsand electricians can benefit from theefforts of BICSI staff and the hundredsof BICSI volunteers who makeup its board of directors and committees.The efforts of these individualsnot only provide direction to theindustry as a whole, but produce contentfor technical publications thatprofessionals worldwide use to keeppace with technological advancements.RCLighting_EB_April10.indd 122 • April 2010 • www.EBMag.com3/23/10 8:48:06 AM