HDI is the
world's largest membership association for the IT service and support
profession, and I've had a number of posts here at The CIO Weblog focusing on different areas where HDI provides niche value.

What's newis that there is a Q2'05 special promotion (see below) being run right now, so
if you've thought about joining but haven't done so yet, here's a special opportunity.

A quick skinny on the value of HDI:

• Membership - Join 7,500 Fellow
  Members Worldwide:With up-to-the-minute publications, industry reports, professional education
  and networking opportunities -- available both online and through exclusive and
  vertically-focused face-to-face forums -- HDI gives you valuable information,
  knowledge and the opportunity to connect with thousands of colleagues around
  the world.


• World's Most Recognized Training & Certification - Based on open
  standards developed by a global consortium of practitioners and experts: We truly believe that the training path to
  certification is as important as the credential itself. HDI offers training and
  certification programs for IT support professionals from the analyst to the
  manager, as well as a Support Center Leadership Program and a site
  certification program.


• Industry Leading Events - The HDI Annual Conference & Expo and the IT
  Infrastructure Management Conference & Expo (ITIM): Whether it's the world's largest
  event for the service and support industry, or the most highly focused
  conference for the senior level IT infrastructure manager, HDI produces
  world-class conferences and expos that provide a comprehensive educational
  experience, the chance to preview new tools, network with peers and have fun!

The special promotion being run right now includes a Gold HDI Membership, an
HDM Online Certification training class, plus a test voucher, a site certification
self-evaluation, and an ITIM conference pass for $1,795 (a $2624 value). Offer
expires on June 30, 2005.

Steve Shu