• The right computer hardware certification can help you score one of thousands of potential IT jobs.
• Computer hardware certifications that focus on a specific brand or industry will help you advance in those ecosystems.
• Computer hardware certifications that focus on neutral equipment or tools will give you the possibility of working for a variety of small and big businesses.
• This article is for job seekers interested in the IT industry and computer hardware certifications. 

With a significant increase in remote and computer-based work in exact years, the need for businesses and individuals to maintain computer performance is key. While software work and coding are usually at the center of the conversation when it comes to potential computer-related jobs, becoming a computer technician is a great point of entry into the IT field. Breaking into this industry is easier for those who obtain computer hardware certifications. These certifications can help demonstrate your knowledge and competency in maintaining computers, mobile devices, printers and more. 

Best computer hardware certifications

As you can imagine, there’s a wide variety of computer hardware certifications available, so finding the best option can be overwhelming. We did a little digging and put together some of our favorite certifications for an easy way to begin your research. Below, you’ll find our picks for the top computer hardware certifications to help get your IT career off the ground. The list is in alphabetical order.

Apple Certified Support Professional

Given the popularity of Apple products and platforms, and the widespread use of Macintosh computers in homes and businesses of all sizes, there’s demand galore for Mac-savvy computer technicians.

As Apple products are dynamic and expand the Apple ecosystem, the company’s certification program has changed to stay up to date. The latest Apple certification available to qualify someone to work with their products is the Apple Certified Support Professional certificate. This credential acknowledges that the holder has expertise in the Apple tools, services and best practices an organization would need to use. A person with the Apple Certified Support Professional certification can help troubleshoot everything used by a help desk professional, technical coordinator or service provider that supports Mac, iPhone and iPad users; manages networks; or provides technical support for Apple devices. 

Obtaining the Apple Certified Support Professional certificate requires passing the Apple Device Support exam, which gives passing students the company’s digital badge proving certification. Users are allotted four attempts (each must be purchased) to pass the exam, with a two-week buffer period between each attempt. Skills that are covered under this certificate include Apple Device Setup and Security, Apple Hardware, Backup, Help Desk Support, and iPhone, iPad and Mac Support. 

The Apple Certified Support Professional is a permanent credential and doesn’t require annual recertification. However, Apple has changed and updated its certifications over the years, with its popular AppleCare Mac Technician certificate in 2017 no longer available. That certificate itself was an updated certificate. Keeping up with Apple’s offered certifications will help you stay current with industry expectations and get the best salary ranges. Furthermore, if Apple is where you want your career to go, obtaining this certificate will allow you to later pursue the Apple Certified IT Professional credential.

BICSI Technician (TECH) Certification

BICSI is a professional association that supports the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, mainly in the areas of voice, data, audio and video, electronic safety and security, and project management. BICSI offers training, certification and education to its more than 26,000 members, many of whom are designers, installers and technicians.

BICSI facilitates several certifications aimed at ICT professionals, who mainly deal with cabling and related technologies. Two credentials, the BICSI Technician (TECH) and the BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), are pertinent (and popular) for those interested in computer hardware.

The BICSI Technician certification recognizes individuals who lead an installation group or team, perform advanced testing and troubleshooting of cable installations, evaluate cabling requirements, recommend solutions based on standards and best practices, and roll out new and retrofit projects. Technicians must be well versed in both copper and fiber cabling, which calls for candidates who have a good deal of knowledge about the hardware, networking devices and communications equipment to which they connect cables.

Did you know?: The impact of the BICSI Technician (TECH) certification on people interested in computer networking is so significant that we also feature it in our roundup of the best certifications to advance your networking career.

To earn the BICSI Technician credential, candidates must pass a two-part exam consisting of a hands-on practical evaluation and a written test. To be eligible for the exam, interested candidates must meet one of four requirements (see breakdown in chart below). 

Interested candidates should also check out other BICSI certifications, such as the Installer 1 (INST1), Installer 2 Copper (INSTC) and Installer 2 Optical Fiber (INSTF). Credentials are valid for three years. Certification holders must earn 18 hours of continuing education credits (CECs) in each three-year credentialing cycle and pay the current renewal fees to maintain this credential.

BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) Certification

An advanced BICSI credential, the Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification is so well respected that the Department of Defense Unified Facilities requires it for several telecom-related design projects. 

RCDD candidates should be able to create and prepare system design specifications and plans, as well as recommended best practices for security design requirements for business automation systems. Those certificated are also well versed in data centers, cabling systems, and design for wireless, network and electronic security systems.

Tip: If working with data seems more appealing to you, here are our recommendations for the best big data certifications.

To earn this credential, candidates must meet the experience requirements, submit the application (plus credentialing fees and a current resume) and pass the exam. In addition, candidates’ experience must be verified, and BICSI may require additional resources as proof of experience. The RCDD test requires individuals to meet one of three eligibility requirements, as outlined in the chart below.

CCT Routing & Switching: Cisco Certified Technician Routing & Switching

Cisco certifications are valued throughout the tech industry. The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification is an entry-level credential that demonstrates a person’s ability to support and maintain Cisco networking devices at a customer site. The CCT Routing & Switching credential best fits our list of the top computer hardware certifications, and it serves as an essential foundation for supporting Cisco devices and systems in general.

Obtaining the CCT requires passing a single exam. subjects include identification of Cisco equipment and related hardware, such as switches and routers, general networking and service knowledge, working with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC), and describing Cisco IOS software operating modes. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of Cisco command-line interface (CLI) commands for connecting to and remotely servicing Cisco products. [Learn more in our detailed Cisco Certification guide.]

CompTIA A+

The CompTIA A+ certification is the granddaddy and best known of all hardware credentials. For anyone serious about working with PCs, laptops, mobile devices, printers or operating systems, the A+ should at least be on your radar, if not in your game plan.

Since the first A+ credential was awarded in 1993, the program continues to draw active interest and participation. With more than 1 million IT professionals now possessing this certificate, it’s something of a checkbox item for PC technicians and support professionals. It also appears in many job postings and advertisements, as you’ll notice in our job board search results further down.

A+ is also ISO 17024 compliant and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). As a result, this credential must be renewed every three years in keeping with concomitant requirements for continuing education or regular examinations to maintain certification currency. Some 20 continuing education units (CEUs) are required for renewal.

The A+ certification encompasses broad coverage of PC hardware and software, networking and security in its overall technical scope. Earning an A+ from CompTIA involves passing two exams: 220-1101 and 220-1102. exam 220-1101 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing. exam 220-1102 draws on knowledge of installing and configuring common operating systems (Windows, Linux, OS X, Android and iOS) and covers security, software and operational procedures. Candidates will find a variety of question formats, including standard multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based questions, on these exams.

Candidates who earn the A+ often find themselves in roles such as system support specialist, field service technician, desktop support specialist, help desk technician, associate network engineer and junior system administrator. The A+ is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (in DoD Directive 8140/8570.01-M). Also, technology companies like Ricoh, Nissan, Dell, HP and Intel require staff to earn the A+ certification to fill certain positions.

CompTIA Server+

CompTIA also offers a server-related certification, which goes beyond covering basic PC hardware, software and networking subjects to the more demanding, powerful and expensive capabilities in the same vein usually associated with server systems.

The Server+ credential tackles the essential hardware and software technologies of on-premises and hybrid server environments, including high availability, cloud computing and scripting. Obtaining the Server+ certificate also demonstrates multistep knowledge to securely deploy, administer and troubleshoot servers, including coverage of more advanced storage systems, IT environments, virtualization and disaster recovery, and business continuity topics. It also puts a strong emphasis on best practices and procedures for server problem diagnosis and troubleshooting. 

Earning the Server+ certificate from CompTIA involves passing one exam: SK0-005. The test assesses the hands-on skills of IT professionals who install, manage and troubleshoot servers in data centers, as well as in on-premises and hybrid environments. Candidates will find a variety of question formats, including standard multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

Tip: If the Server+ certificate’s focus on data centers is attractive, you may also want to consider other data center certifications.

Candidates who earn the Server+ credential often find themselves in roles such as system administrator, server administrator, data center technician or engineer, field service technician or engineer, network administrator, and IT technician. It can also be a stepping stone into vendor-specific server technician training programs at a wide variety of blue-chip companies or with their authorized resellers and support partners. Although Server+ is vendor-neutral in coverage, organizations such as HP, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, Xerox, Lenovo and HP use Server+ credentialed technicians. 

Get more information on CompTIA credentials in our CompTIA certification guide.

Beyond the top 6: More hardware certifications

There are many more hardware-oriented certifications available that you might want to consider. As you get into IT and start to develop a sense of your own interests and observe the hardware systems and solutions around, you’ll be able to dig deeper into this arena.

You can investigate all the major system vendors (including HP, Dell, IBM, and other PC and server makers) as well as networking and infrastructure companies (such as Juniper and Fortinet) to find hardware-related training and certifications to occupy you throughout a long and successful career.

Although ExpertRating offers many credentials, we excluded it from our list after viewing several complaints regarding the general quality of the courses. Obviously, such complaints are from disgruntled customers, but they were enough to make us proceed with caution.

Did you know?: Business News Daily has compiled all of the best IT certifications for easy access.

Job board search results

During a exact search of popular job boards, we found a plethora of businesses seeking candidates with computer hardware certifications for open roles. 

Various factors, such as the specific job role, locality and experience level, may impact salary potential. Indeed lists the average base pay for an IT technician as $66,013, while other sites share an average that lies closer to $55,000. The average national salary for computer hardware technicians ranges from about $31,000 to more than $53,000. However, some certifications command higher salaries. For example, Certification Magazine’s 2022 Annual Salary Survey found that the average salary for someone with a CompTIA A+ credential is $100,660.

Computer hardware certifications and your future

As technology is ever-changing and its dynamic nature is constant in our society, the need for qualified individuals to help Strengthen and maintain the computer hardware contributing to our technological growth will grow itself. You can help meet that need. However, in an area where continuous change in tools and technology is the norm, a course of lifelong learning will be essential to help you stay current on what’s relevant in the field today and will likely show up on the job soon.

Ed Tittel and Mary Kyle contributed to the writing and research in this article. 

Offered under their shared brand, nCompass Systems, the new Extended Distance product enables data and power transport at distances exceeding TIA standards

WEST HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Legrand, the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, and Superior Essex Communications, a leading manufacturer of communications cables in North America, have teamed up at the BICSI Winter Conference and Exhibition to launch the brand new nCompass Systems Extended Distance cabling system. This innovative and dynamic product exceeds current industry benchmarks for deploying high-power power over ethernet (Hi-PoE) on an IP network. The Extended Distance solution represents the next generation of cable connectivity for commercial customers. It is the latest product to result from over a decade of cooperation between Legrand and Superior Essex.

IoT, 5G, and the increasing number of connected devices deployed in commercial buildings today have created a demand for new communications cabling solutions that offer enhanced, multifunctional capabilities. The new nCompass Extended Distance solution does just that – enabling data and power transport over distances that exceed TIA standards. It is a premium solution that will enable cutting-edge network installations for nCompass customers, including some of the world's largest commercial operators.

Benefits of the Extended Distance solution include:

"PoE solves many challenges for today's forward-looking commercial building operators," said Kristen Poulos, VP/General Manager at Legrand Data Infrastructure. "By using a single cable for transporting electrical power and data, commercial building operators can reduce overall infrastructure costs, optimize network efficiency, speed the deployment of vital IT and OT equipment and even Strengthen sustainability. We're proud to partner with Superior Essex on this new nCompass system and believe it will play an immediate, critical role in helping commercial building operators reimagine their networks for the future."

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"People and businesses demand more converged networks as they add smart devices to their daily activities. This innovative PoE solution allows them to interconnect more devices with greater efficiency and increased control over their entire network," explains Brian Ensign, Vice President of Marketing for Superior Essex Communications. "This Extended Distance cabling system is a real merging of innovation from both Legrand and Superior Essex, and we're excited to release yet another cutting-edge solution into the market with our partners."

Legrand will include the nCompass Extended Distance solution in its Clarity performance line, which consists of a suite of high-density jack and multi-contact cords as well as Superior Essex PowerWise® 1G and 10G 4PPoE cables and field term plugs.

BICSI Winter attendees have additional opportunities to learn more about the nCompass Extended Distance product and how a Hi-PoE strategy maximizes the ROI of technology and power distribution deployment. First, Legrand and Superior Essex Communications will present "The Real Impact of High-Power PoE on Your IP Network" on Tuesday, February 7, at 11 a.m. in Ballroom D at the Tampa Convention Center. Additionally, the two companies are exhibiting at Booth #401 throughout the event in the Tampa Convention Center until February 9, 2023.

To learn more about nCompass Systems, visit ncompass-systems.com. For more information about Legrand and Superior Essex, visit legrand.us and superioressexcommunications.com.

About Legrand and Legrand, North and Central America

Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. The Group harnesses technological and societal trends with lasting impacts on buildings with the purpose of improving life by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet with electrical, digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, Legrand is pursuing its strategy of profitable and responsible growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offerings—including products with enhanced value in use (faster expanding segments: datacenters, connected offerings and energy efficiency programs). Legrand reported sales of €7.0 billion in 2021. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is notably a component stock of the CAC 40 and CAC 40 ESG indexes. (code ISIN FR0010307819). https://www.legrand.us/

About Superior Essex Communications

Superior Essex Communications is a leading manufacturer and supplier of communications cable in North America. It is on the forefront of innovation through Power over Ethernet, Intelligent Buildings and Cities, 5G Fiber infrastructure including Hybrid and Composite solutions, as well as technological advancements being made at its Product Development Center. Superior Essex Communications is also setting the pace on sustainability by being the first company with a Zero Waste to Landfill Certification at its Hoisington, Kansas, plant; the first wire and cable producer to contribute points to LEED certification, and the first to offer Verified sustainable cables in over 50 products. Superior Essex Communications is Everywhere You Live and Work®. Additional information is available at www.superioressexcommunications.com.

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SOURCE Legrand

By nature of the role itself, project managers are habitually determined to ensure a project is successful in fulfilling its deliverables and objectives. However, even the most well-managed project will be challenged without one necessary component: a communication plan.

From a project manager’s perspective, a strong plan is vital to maintain communication with stakeholders across all levels of an organization.

What is a Communication Plan in a Project?

While communication may seem to be a fairly light lift in the mix of all other project components, it is one of the most challenging.

The challenges arise from the various people involved — from sponsors to customers to team members. It is imperative that clear, concise and complete communication is provided based on each individual interest in the project.

The frequency with which each stakeholder and team member receives communication and the preferred methods to be distributed are also main factors that need to be established. Additionally, communications may fluctuate based on the various project stages as well as span across the world in this "new-normal" work environment.

All of these quick reasons provide a snapshot into the importance of developing a clear and effective communication plan that engages stakeholders early in your projects and provides a framework to continue communication and engagement throughout your project lifecycle to ensure successful completion. There is certainly little advantage to providing communication that isn’t needed through non-preferred methods or at an inappropriate time.

It is necessary to review the communication plan with the sponsors, project team and stakeholders throughout the project. The communication plan gives the project manager and project team authorization to communicate with various stakeholders across the organization without having to ask for permission all the time. Consider it a pre-approval to communicate as needed throughout the life of a project, or like an inventory sheet that must be maintained and utilized on a constant basis.

What are the Five Components of a Project Communication Plan?

When managing a communication plan, it can be helpful to break down the plan into the following five sections to ease the ability to stay organized:

1. Sender: The sender is the person responsible for initiating the communication. Often, it is the project manager, but it could be anyone on the team responsible for the communication.
2. Recipients: The recipients are the people receiving the communication. It can identify teams or be detailed enough to specifically list out names to avoid missing people in the communication.
3. Description: The description is used to describe the communication. Feel free to be detailed in this column so the recipients understand what is being sent.
4. Method: The method is simply the vehicle used to communicate. This can be email, meeting, phone call, virtual meeting, shareable document or something else that delivers the communication.
5. Frequency: The frequency sets the heartbeat for the communications. It allows the project manager to communicate in a timely manner and set the schedule for the communications.

Project Management Communication Plan Example

A communication plan in project management might look like this:

Additionally, the importance of a communication plan can be associated with the various project phases and should be created and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. It should start when the project begins and be followed and maintained throughout the project to the closing phase.

A clear communication plan is often appreciated by project stakeholders. When stakeholders understand the communication schedule and plan, it sets the tone that they will be kept updated throughout the project.

One example happened on a project I was assigned to years ago while working with the chief technology officer (CTO) on a large enterprise-wide project. Let’s refer to the CTO as Sam. Sam was in a meeting with me, and we required Sam to communicate with various stakeholders about an upcoming go-live replacing critical network equipment.

As a team, we sat around the conference table and listed out each meeting he had to host to brief the various departments. Sam said to me, “This communication plan was exactly what we needed to focus (on) spending time with the right people for the success of the project."

A successful communication plan can prevent most project communication challenges before they even arise and should be included as a foundation to any project. Outlining how tasks within the project will be completed — as well as how and to whom the progress of the work being performed — will be communicated across the team most efficiently.

How Do You Write a Project Management Communication Plan?

There is certainly not a one-size-fits-all rule; however, a successful framework could be outlined as the following:

Project Planning Phase

The initiation of a project communication plan should include:

• A thorough outline of specific tasks, expectations, due dates and resources involved in the project.
• Project team members that will be sending and receiving project information.
• The type(s), expected frequency and preferred methods for which information will be distributed.
• Possible inclusion of information related to team expectations, role responsibilities or guidelines for status meetings and team meetings.
• The primary source where the communication will be stored and can be easily retrieved throughout the project.

Project Execution and Control Phase

Compile and synthesize project status information. Note that:

• Based on project status, the form of communication as well as the recipients may vary based on the impact of information being conveyed.
• As new information is received throughout a project, stakeholder needs may change and/or additional stakeholders may be added to a previously created communication plan. The plan must be updated to reflect the changing needs.

Project Closing Phase

Communication of project results and findings should include:

• Clear determination of success metrics based on the originally established measurements.
• Lessons learned for application into future organizational projects.

The vitality of a communication plan provides transparency and sets expectations throughout the project and can serve as a guideline for each project team member to refer to. One of the significant elements of a solid communication plan is that it can strengthen the ownership of the team members by being involved in the communication of the progress and their contribution to the overall project success.

Discover more about SNHU’s online project management degree: Find out what courses you'll take, skills you’ll learn and how to request information about the program.

Lori Lavallee is a senior director of project and portfolio management at Southern New Hampshire University. She is PMP certified, has held project management roles in a variety of industries throughout her career and earned her MBA from SNHU in 2005.

Michael DeCosta is the director of Southern New Hampshire University’s Enterprise Infrastructure and Digital Services Project and Planning office. He is PMP certified and has worked in senior project management roles since 2015.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Many of us have given it a go in the last couple of weeks: Asking ChatGPT to concoct an abstract poem about dancing cows at Christmas, or to suggest a joke about some unsavory politicians (some things write themselves), or even testing its ability to perform the written work that paying jobs demand. It tantalizes the shortcutting reflexes in our brains — which want everything now, now, now!

But effective and strategic marketing and communications typically take extensive consideration and care; it’s rarely ever black and white, and it almost always requires a great deal of nuance and emotional intelligence.

At a time when investors are exercising immense caution, the tech sector is in flux, governments worldwide are tackling inflation and primed for a recession, businesses can’t afford for their public communications to be half-baked. Especially when the difference between securing investments or closing deals and finding your collections bowl returned empty can often come down to first impressions.

Ultimately, the heart of effective communications is connecting with people. Soft skills that nourish relationships are vital, as is an ear to the ground to pick up on an audience’s needs and a sharp nose for news. This is all to deliver a precise, packaged, perfectly positioned campaign; those looking to cut corners with ChatGPT or other cookie-cutter approaches simply aren’t capable of producing this content. 

Communications: Harness tech, don’t rely on it

Don’t get me wrong, tech advances are paramount in PR and marketing. Organizations can employ social analytics platforms, sentiment trackers, data dashboards and other tools to boost a campaign’s message and provide the most useful insights.

However, ChatGPT is a different beast entirely. Not only is it avoiding vital research and audience insights by blending a generic human style of writing with information scalped from the web, it obviates the need for companies to think outside the box, to consider different angles and to think intelligently and sensitively. Much like generic copy-and-paste PR approaches, it dilutes creative juices in the name of efficiency — which is never advantageous to a company’s external brand.

Instead of relying on ChatGPT, companies should take heed of other successful and less successful PR campaigns. Take Duolingo’s smart campaigns: They’ve driven a surge of users in the past year using TikTok to connect with younger audiences as well as clever gimmicks like a High Valyrian language course to coincide with the release of HBO’s House of The Dragon. These tactics were a smart, simple and a key component contributing to significant stock growth prospects in 2023.

In short, as it stands, ChatGPT lacks nuance, and nuance is exactly what can make the difference between a cat and a tiger, or at least between a lion and a leopard. And, in the chase for brand recognition, this can really matter. What’s more: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained a reputation for reinforcing stereotypes — and in an environment where hypersensitivity is crucial to avoiding potentially damaging typecasts, the last thing a brand needs is a clumsy bot stepping on toes.

Indeed, ChatGPT is much like a robot designed to kick a football. The robot may be able to strike a ball with power and accuracy, but if it cannot run at variable speeds, interchange with its teammates, assess and react to opponents’ movement or release the most potent pass or shot at the optimum time based on an instinctive feel for the field, it won’t be a great team player.

Before writing anything, companies need to put the work in

PR and communications aren’t simply about churning out quotes or press releases indiscriminately. Good communication means collaborating with stakeholders, getting to grips with the target audience, understanding a journalist’s focus and priorities, analyzing the news agenda, mitigating risks, mapping opportunities and agreeing on key messages before even putting the proverbial ink to paper.

ChatGPT can invent a few paragraphs in seconds, but would a company feel its brand essence, principles, objectives and various stakeholders have been taken into account within the composition? I’m not so sure.

Deep research and sector expertise all contribute to building a repertoire of knowledge to support precise communication. Effective PR campaigns require a level of insight that currently eludes the gimmicky mimicry of a chat AI engine or lazy PR professionals.

Brands reflect company people and principles

As the saying goes, people buy brands, not products. That’s why it is critical to ensure that the voice and character of a company is genuine rather than manufactured. Content will always be associated with the employees, the values and the mission of a company.

ChatGPT is still a fun tool to use and has a level of fluency perhaps never before seen in AI. I have no doubt that in the foreseeable future as its sophistication develops, it will become an invaluable tool for helping communications professionals optimize their craft — much like AI has become instrumental in helping radiologists decipher X-Rays — bolstering human expertise, not replacing it.

But for now, when it comes to cutting-edge communications, businesses need to recognize that they should be offering more than surface-level conversations to the world. Effective PR can transform a fledgling start-up into a household brand, it can keep the right people informed at critical times, help to avert crises and deliver memorable, hard-hitting campaigns.

Communications is so much more than automated content production. It is connection. It is the bedrock of human relationships. It is the power to truly listen, understand and respond. Skills unique to us, which — at least for now — are irreplaceable.

Joseph Moses is CEO of Campaign PR.

Both tradeshows will feature aspects of Leviton's standout year in terms of new global systems, new product offerings and Leviton's CN2030 sustainability initiative

BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leviton announced today it will display complete, end-to-end cabling systems as well as its latest network infrastructure solutions at the 2023 BICSI Winter Conference and Cisco Live Amsterdam, both held the first full week of February. Also, Leviton is participating as the Official Cable Sponsor of Cisco Live Amsterdam. In January 2023, Leviton introduced its globally available MILLENNIUM™ copper systems worldwide, and they will be available to the public for the first time at these two important technology conferences.

"We are excited about the chance to meet face to face with customers, contractors and consultants from around the world," said Jim Frey, senior director of global marketing at Leviton Network Solutions. "Our efforts have been geared toward being a valuable global partner to help customers accomplish their business goals. Whether it is helping data center managers achieve next generation speeds or helping enterprise IT directors deploy smart building and IoT, we are providing our customers with the complete systems they need while keeping performance and sustainability front of mind."

Leviton products and systems on display include:

• MILLENNIUM Copper Systems. Leviton now offers three global copper systems that are available to specify anywhere in the world. These end-to-end copper cabling systems provide consistent performance, product sets and support worldwide.

• Leviton's Premier SST Cable, Now Available in EMEA, LATAM and APAC Regions. This popular solution in the US allows for industry-leading performance and excellent signal isolation in a small outer diameter.

• Family Expansion of RDT Cat 6A Cable Technology in the US. This reduced diameter cable, introduced January 2022 in plenum (CMP) in the US, is now also offered in indoor/outdoor (I/O) and riser (CMR) constructions.

• Front Loading UTP QUICKPORT™ Patch Panels. These globally available panels include an innovative front-loading bezel designed to ease deployments and MAC work.

• A Comprehensive New Platform of Global Copper Patch Cords. Includes standard and high flex Cat 6A and Cat 6 patch cords with a compact plug and boot, engineered for IoT devices and high-density applications and available worldwide.

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In addition to these product offerings, Leviton will feature details on its sustainability initiative, CN2030, to achieve company-wide carbon neutrality by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Leviton will also participate in tech sessions, giving attendees valuable information on industry trends. Leviton invites BICSI Winter Conference (Booth 627) and CISCO Live (B08) attendees to see product demonstrations and talk with network experts from Leviton Network Solutions.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions is a single-source global manufacturer of copper and fiber cabling systems. Leviton solutions are used in data centers, businesses, schools, hospitals, government facilities and commercial mixed-use markets around the world. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry's best service and support. IT management, builders, contractors, and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. We can expand your network possibilities. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS. European customers can visit leviton.com/ns/emea or twitter.com/LevitonNS_EU.

About Leviton

Every day, Leviton is engineering possibilities that make the future happen, meeting the needs of today's residential, commercial, and industrial customers globally. From electrical to lighting, to data networks and energy management, Leviton develops thoughtful solutions that help make its customers' lives easier, safer, more efficient, and more productive. Driven by its commitment to its customers, the ingenuity of its employees and the safety and quality of its products and solutions, with Leviton, the FUTURE IS ON. For more information, visit leviton.com, facebook.com/leviton, twitter.com/leviton, or youtube.com/Levitonmfg.

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Renee Kopkowski has been appointed vice president for communications, President Peter Salovey announced today. She will lead Yale’s Office of Public Affairs & Communications (OPAC), serve as the university’s chief communications officer, and guide campus-wide internal and external communications strategies.

The appointment is effective April 1, 2023.

Kopkowski, currently vice president for Institute Communications at Georgia Institute of Technology, brings to the role extensive experience in communications at academic and other nonprofit institutions, multi-national corporations, and medical centers.

“With Renee’s leadership, her team has launched communications initiatives to create a sense of community and celebrate the accomplishments of Georgia Tech’s students, faculty, and staff,” President Salovey said in a message to the campus community. “Through effective, strategic storytelling, Renee and her staff have increased the breadth and quality of social and traditional media coverage of faculty research, campus life, and educational programs. In addition, Renee has established internal communications strategies that support institutional goals and priorities and was instrumental in helping the Georgia Tech community navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic.”

She succeeds Nate Nickerson, who stepped down from the role in September 2022 to become the communications and public affairs partner for Palo Alto-based venture capital firm DCVC. Karen Peart, who has been interim vice president since the fall, will remain in that role until Kopkowski’s arrival. She will then continue her fulltime senior leadership role as the university’s spokesperson and media relations lead.

“I’m honored to step into the role leading the team that shares Yale’s stories, keeps the Yale community informed, and preserves the iconic university brand,” said Kopkowski. “For over 300 years, Yale has contributed to society and shaped leaders who have improved the world around them. Being entrusted to play even a small role in that history is a gift. I look forward to working with the Office of Public Affairs & Communications team and university leadership to continue to build and protect Yale’s exceptional identity and reputation.”

Prior to her appointment at Georgia Tech, Kopkowski served in several high-level communications and leadership roles, among them president and partner of the consulting firm strat-igence, Inc.; senior director of global external communications for Mars, Inc.; and vice president for corporate affairs for Mars Chocolate North America.

“In each of these positions, she led by establishing and implementing a clear vision for internal and external communications, public relations, and marketing,” Salovey said. “She approached both routine events and moments of great disruption by focusing on and conveying the principles and values of her organization.”

Kopkowski serves on the Advisory Board of the Elon School of Communications, the Association of American Universities’ Public Affairs Steering Committee, and the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clemson University. Her husband, Christopher Kopkowski, is a senior product engineer at BlueLinx, Co., and together they have two daughters, Emma and Samantha.

In his message, Salovey also expressed his deep gratitude to Peart and the OPAC team for their dedicated service during the transition.

Said Peart: “It has been an honor to serve as interim vice president for communications, and I’m deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to lead my remarkable OPAC colleagues during this transition. We warmly welcome Renee, and we look forward to supporting her vision for communications at Yale.”