MiSix product manager, Jody Harrington, says every device that Minolta sells is digital. and links to a network or PC. It has become critical for hardware technicians to have basic computer qualifications to install office automation equipment in networked environments.

By 2006 all our hardware technicians will have a CompTIA A+ qualification, and approximately 25% of the technicians will also be CompTIA Network+ proficient," says Harrington.

MiSix division manager, Juneid Docrat, agrees. He says hardware technicians should be able to troubleshoot and install drivers. This will free our professional MiSix engineers to focus on project roll-out, design and specialist support, he adds.

The Computing Technical Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ certification is the industry standard for entry-level computer technicians. Technicians with the A+ certification will display a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventative maintenance and basic networking.

To ensure that software support extends to every corner of the country and to bring expertise closer to the customer, each Minolta branch has a certified software engineer on site. Harrington says that, by the end of this year, all major Minolta dealers will also have MiSix-certified software consultants on site.

Docrat says Minolta is a registered member of CompTIA, and has established a Thompson Prometric Testing Centre at head office, to allow technicians to write international examinations at its premises.