BCP-520 certification - Integrating the BlackBerry MVS Solution Updated: 2024

Called Digital Home Technology Integrator+ (CEA-CompTIA DHTI+), the certification is in beta mode and is available to integrators free at http://certification.comptia.org/hti/dhti_faq.aspx. Plans call for the certification to officially launch in March. It will cost $180 for CompTIA members and $225 for nonmembers.

The certification is designed to supply digital integrators an industry-accepted seal of approval to show their mastery of home integration standards, including networking, audio/video, telephone and VoIP, security and surveillance, home control management, and documentation and troubleshooting, said Miles Jobgen, CompTIA product manager.

"The main reason behind this is that the mass market is beginning to adopt advanced technologies in the home. They are beginning to demand integrated home networks," Jobgen said. "It's getting to the point where this technology and products are no longer boutique offerings available only to the upper echelon of society. Some of the technology is relatively easy to install. But once you start adding multiple components to the home network, it becomes too complicated for the average homeowner. They need somebody to help them configure and optimize those solutions."

The program shows recognition by CompTIA and CEA, under its Tech Home Division, of the growing need for skilled digital integrators in the home construction and retrofit markets. Industry leaders expect that demand to grow with the upcoming release of Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, which brings added multimedia muscle. Also fueling demand, they said, are the growing need to receive, store, manage and share music and video files available over broadband connections; the influx of cost-effective home technology solutions, such as IP-based surveillance, control, automation and entertainment; and fully networked computing.

CEA, for its part, is taking a tiered approach to certification. While DHTI+ focuses on mass-market integration, CEA's Tech Home Division recently partnered with the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) and the National System Contractors Association (NSCA) to launch the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance, which will provide cross-industry certification for the upper end of the custom installation market.

The new programs offer training and certification tailored for different types of integrators, but the initiatives are designed to help those professionals gain widespread recognition as a unified "fourth trade" group, along with builders, architects and interior designers in the home market.

"There are so many different training platforms, but nothing has gained traction," said Jay McClellan, president of Home Automation Inc. and president of CEA's Tech Home Division. "We want to ground the training on a basic foundation that each group can build its own content on top of. Then we can continually upgrade the programs to further refine what the groups are doing in the market."

Although CEDIA offers comprehensive training and certification for high-end installation and integration through its CEDIA University program, it has just begun to add sections on IP-based networking that are aimed more at the mass market. Gerry Lynch, CEO of System Seven, a Topsfield, Mass.-based home integrator, said a trusted certification program in that realm would be useful.

"There have been other programs, but I just wish some of them would stick. CompTIA offered HTI+ certification, but I couldn't find anywhere to take the exam," Lynch said. "A lot of companies that offer certification say, 'Take the test with us because you're guaranteed to pass.' But, hey, I actually want my guys to learn something. I want them to know a lot more tomorrow than they know today."

PC-related and IP-based networking skills are particularly important in today's home integration environment, Lynch noted.

"We need PC skills and things like Apple desktop support skills, but we don't necessarily need to be MCE or Cisco certified," Lynch said. "My guys don't work on corporate networks or hide in the server closet. I have guys hooking up home theaters all day long, and they want to learn more PC home integration skills. They just don't have anyplace to go."

DHTI+ courses and exams will be offered by several third-party groups throughout the country, Jobgen said.

InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips

In the market, giants often steal the limelight. However, an intriguing narrative exists woven by lesser-known yet promising stocks priced under $10. Enterprising companies have silently amassed momentum, signaling an imminent surge in their value. The terrain of consumer electronics and cutting-edge technology systems hosts these three underdogs, each concealing a treasure trove of growth potential waiting to be unearthed.

Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and market dynamics, these companies have intricately carved their path to success. The first one’s strategic product launches and expansive retail endeavors, the second one’s diversification beyond automotive realms and the third one’s groundbreaking underwater technologies mark pivotal strides toward market dominance.

Beyond the stock prices, delve into the hidden narratives of resilience, adaptability and innovation driving these companies’ growth. Read more to uncover these undervalued stocks‘ latent potential and promising trajectories.

GoPro (GPRO)

Source: Larry George II / Shutterstock.com

GoPro (NASDAQ:GPRO) delivers substantial growth in performance. For instance, in Q3 2023, the company exceeded revenue expectations at $294 million, surpassing non-GAAP earnings per share targets. This performance reflected the company’s ability to forecast effectively and indicated a positive market response to its products and strategies. Thus, the sequential growth of 31% and a 16% year-over-year increase in total camera unit sales suggest effective demand capture.

Furthermore, the subscription service maintained its value, evident in its 20% year-over-year growth, reaching 2.5 million subscribers. This results in solid attachment and retention rates, indicating strong customer engagement. Launching a desktop version of the Quik app for Mac OS and introducing a premium plus $99 subscription tier demonstrates GoPro’s focus on offering enhanced features and increased cloud storage.

Fundamentally, these impressive figures hint at effective product positioning, customer engagement, and a solid marketing approach. On the product side, the launch of the Hero 12 Black at $399 represented a key strategic move by GoPro. The product has succeeded and indicates its resonance with both professional and casual users. Thus, these leads consolidate GoPro’s position as an industry benchmark.

Additionally, GoPro’s focus on expanding its retail presence has shown impressive results. The company met and exceeded its target of adding 2K new retail doors by the end of 2023 (+25% annual increase). By fostering strong partnerships and investing in retail channels, GoPro expanded its reach and accessibility to potential customers.

The planned 30% increase in retail doors by 2024 indicates a proactive approach to market penetration. Hence, by strategically positioning products in retail spaces, GoPro aims to capitalize on physical retail environments to drive sales and brand recognition.

BlackBerry (BB)

Source: Shutterstock

BlackBerry’s (NYSE:BB) IoT business experienced notable revenue growth. Most recently, the business has achieved a 12% sequential and 8% year-on-year increase in Q3 fiscal 2024. The revenue streams were diversified, with royalties accounting for 44%, development seats for 32%, and services contributing 24% of the total revenue. The significant increase in revenue despite industry-level headwinds indicates the resilience and potential of BlackBerry’s IoT segment.

Fundamentally, the growth was primarily driven by the automotive sector, particularly Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). BlackBerry secured crucial design wins with leading automakers globally, expanding its footprint in ADAS solutions and automotive operating systems. These wins include partnerships with European and Asian automakers for the Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and ADAS platforms. This illustrates BlackBerry’s credibility and growth potential within the automotive industry.

Notably, BB is expanding beyond automotive, and its success extended beyond automotive, diversifying into various sectors such as industrial automation, medical devices, and autonomous defense vehicles. This expansion indicates the scalability and adaptability of BlackBerry’s IoT solutions across different industries, reducing reliance on a single sector for revenue generation.

Moreover, the upcoming launch of QNX SDP 8.0, with its promised enhanced performance and scalability, is poised to unlock new opportunities in the IoT space. Additionally, IVY’s progress, Proof of Concept trials, growing ecosystem, and demonstrations at CES suggest potential growth avenues outside the automotive sector.

Finally, BlackBerry’s cybersecurity business is another impressive company growth aspect. The business’s revenue soared to $114 million, marking a substantial 44% sequential and 8% year-over-year increase. The noteworthy improvement in gross margin, rising by 0.14% to 68%, underscores the efficiency and profitability of BlackBerry’s cybersecurity offerings.

Coda Octopus (CODA)

Source: shutterstock.com/whiteMocca

Coda Octopus (NASDAQ:CODA) has established an exemplary track record of profitability. The company has boasted consistent profitability in 45 out of the last 50 quarters and has maintained profitability for the last 12 consecutive years. Such an extended period of sustained profitability highlights the company’s robust operational efficiency and adaptability.

Furthermore, Coda Octopus has invested in developing innovative underwater products and solutions. The Echoscope PIPE and the Diver Augmented Vision Display System (DAVD) are significant strengths driving the company’s growth potential. Over the past four years, the company has dedicated substantial resources to advancing these cutting-edge technologies. Hence, these investments align them with its growth strategy and market demands.

The Echoscope PIPE, a real-time 3D imaging sonar, caters to emerging defense and underwater vehicle market requirements. Favorably, its unique capabilities in providing high-resolution, real-time imaging have garnered attention from defense entities, positioning Coda Octopus as a frontrunner in offering advanced sensor technology for underwater applications.

On the other hand, the DAVD is transitioning from the Navy’s research and development (R&D) phase to its field adoption phase. This progress signifies a crucial milestone for the company. The successful implementation and training events with entities like the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) and the Underwater Construction Team (UCT) demonstrate this technology’s operational integration and usability within critical defense operations. 

Notably, there are positive feedback and adoption intentions from European offshore service providers and Japanese companies. This underscores the market’s recognition of the DAVD’s potential to enhance safety and efficiency in underwater operations.

Overall, by further refining and expanding the capabilities of its Echoscope and DAVD solutions, the company can capture a larger market share and penetrate new segments.

As of this writing, Yiannis Zourmpanos held a long position in GPRO. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

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Offering formal language training programmes on arrival

While most countries make some provision for post arrival language training, there are variations in the duration of language training programmes and their position in the integration process.

A second approach is where extended specialist language training programs are a core component of the integration program. In these countries it is thought that given a grounding in the target language, resettled refugees will have better prospects for getting into employment, accomplish other integration tasks more independently, and participate on a more equal footing in the receiving community. It is also recognised that the process of acquiring a new language as an adult is a difficult one which is further complicated for refugees by the stress of the resettlement experience. Income support is provided in the belief that resettled refugees will acquire the target language more readily if they do not simultaneously face the additional demands of searching for and participating in paid employment.

A third approach is where resettled refugees are offered language instruction free-of-charge and have access to social support payments to enable their participation. However, in these countries planning for language training is individualised and more formally linked with vocational counselling, further education and employment placement through individualised ‘introduction’ plans. This may involve a program of part-time language training alongside part-time employment. It is important that the circumstances and priorities, as well as learning needs, of individual resettled refugees are respected in relation to language training.

Language training will be a vital first step in the integration process for many resettled refugees. Others will see their integration goals as being better served through early employment. Even in those countries offering relatively generous conditions for participation, the reality is that income support payments typically cover basic living costs only. While in most cases this is to ensure parity with income support paid to nationals outside of the labour market [insert link] they may be prohibitively low for resettled refugees who face additional costs involved in building a life in a new country. Some may also be supporting relatives overseas. Resettled refugees in these circumstances may have no choice but to supply priority to employment over language training. Nevertheless, experience in countries offering specialist language programs suggests that the majority of refugees will participate. Resettlement countries can support resettled refugees to balance language learning with other integration objectives by providing flexible language learning options.

Language acquisition as a process not a program

Language acquisition is an ongoing and lengthy process. It is important that there are ongoing opportunities for resettled refugees to participate in language learning. Adequate provision will also need to be made for interpreting and translating services. Even if functional in the target language, resettled refugees may require assistance when communicating about matters requiring higher proficiency or in circumstances that require technical language (e.g. health care or legal matters).

Language training as a resource for integration

Language training programs delivered in an integration context are distinguished from those which may be offered to nationals in a traditional educational environment, in that one of their primary goals is to support refugees to integration in their new country. In most countries post-arrival language training programs emphasise language learning for social and communicative competence, rather than for achieving technical proficiency. Typically programs combine language training with learning about practical integration tasks and the laws, customs and practices of the receiving society. This approach has been adopted recognising that target language training is more likely to be effective if it is based on adult learning principles and is meaningful to the everyday lives and needs of adult learners in their roles as shoppers, parents, citizens and so on. Some countries also link language training with vocational education, training ,and employment placement by focusing on vocabulary, terms and concepts to support employment prospects.

Language training and cultural adjustment

Language training programs enable resettled refugees to acquire the target language and learn about the receiving society. However, there should also be opportunities to value the learner’s first language and culture by promoting multi/dual language use and incorporating the history, literature and cultural experiences of refugees into curricula and in the classroom.

The merits of rebuilding and maintaining cultural connection and exchange are central to the integration process. Similar considerations apply in the use of resettled refugees’ first languages. The process of learning a second language is more likely to be effective if individuals have ongoing opportunities to use their mother tongue.

Funding and planning of language training programs

In most resettlement countries responsibility for funding, planning, coordinating and monitoring language training programs lies with national governments. However, in recognition of the importance of implementing integration at a more localised level, programs are generally delivered by educational institutions, community-based and non-governmental organisations as well as by municipal governments.

For example, in Canada language classes are provided at no cost to permanent residents and protected persons through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programme. This is funded through the government and delivered by a range of providers across the country. The classes are taught by qualified and experienced teachers at flexible locations, such as online or in classrooms with other students held in schools, colleges, community organsiations. Learning can be on a part-time or full-time basis, during the day, evening during the week or weekends. In some locations childrecare is offered as well as transportation to and from classes. For more information, please click here.

Thought leader in Business Simulations, Strategy Execution, and President of Simulation Studios where he advises top companies globally.

Strategic thinking training has become an important component of today’s corporate leadership development training program, but rapidly developing strategic thinking capability within the workforce can be exceptionally challenging. Why? Because strategic thinking capabilities are traditionally built up through many years of hands-on business experience. Creating a strategic thinking training program in short order can bear disappointing results. This is where utilizing a business simulation can greatly enhance learning.

In full disclosure, I run Simulation Studios, which develops business training simulations. These simulations are most often used within corporate leadership development programs, which include strategic thinking training. I've seen firsthand how business training simulations can be a great learning reinforcement tool, but they don’t always fit and can sometimes actually act as a distraction. To be a helpful tool for teaching strategic thinking, they must be used correctly.

The Need For Strategic Thinking Training

Today’s organizations need to change and execute strategy faster than ever, and yet many organizations are facing a loss of institutional knowledge brought on by an acceleration in retirement rates. Development Dimensions International's 2021 Global Leadership Forecast paints a challenging picture for corporate leadership with only 11% of surveyed organizations reporting they have a “strong” or “very strong” leadership bench—the lowest number in the past decade. This is putting pressure on HR to backfill with talent. Strategic thinking training should include exposure to effective leadership norms and the impact leadership has on attrition and strategy execution.

Strategic thinking training can also Boost employee engagement and retention. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, employee engagement dropped for the first time in over a decade. The study found that only 34% of employees were engaged and a whopping 16% were actively disengaged. Strategic thinking training is a great way to bring employees into the business—and help them to understand how their role contributes to the organization—while building valuable skills.

The problem is that teaching and learning strategic thinking is tough. I've written previously about how strategic thinking training is exceptionally challenging because, at a minimum, it requires effective leadership, financial acumen, cross-functional collaboration and teamwork, innovative thinking and design thinking to solve problems and for business agility and resilience.

How A Business Simulation Can Help

In most cases, a business simulation is a tool used within corporate training programs. It can be paper-based but most are digital and accompanied by in-person facilitation to Boost the learning experience. For strategic thinking training, I find a business simulation is most effective when combining strategic goals with training goals.

Here are some tips to more effectively use a business simulation within your strategic training program:

1. Think small.

To start, the business simulation should be a small portion of your budget and strategic thinking training time. You can expand into something larger after you’ve experienced what works and doesn’t work. Remember that small means focused. In my years of experience, I have yet to see a real need for a large business simulation.

2. Practice extreme focus.

Thinking small and practicing extreme focus go together. It is critical to write out the goals and objectives of your strategic thinking training program. The business simulation should closely align with the learning objectives. If you can do this effectively, the results will be a tight and focused integration between your strategic thinking training goals and what the participants practice within the business simulation.

3. Try before you buy.

Business simulations can get expensive (another reason to stay small and focused). There is a good chance you’re able to build a solution internally. Some of the best business simulations I’ve seen are paper-based solutions. If you start by trying to build your own only to learn you need an outside provider, you’ll be set up well to work closely with a provider you are comfortable with and trust. Hint: Always work with a firm/person you trust and are comfortable working with.

Final Thoughts

Strategic thinking training is an exciting, intense and important skill to develop for today’s workforce. That being said, it is tough to learn, tough to retain and challenging to deliver. This shouldn’t stop you from building a great strategic thinking training program. I think you’ll find using a business simulation can drastically increase applicability and knowledge retention. Consider building your own before running out and buying. Just keep it small and focused and take it one step at a time.

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

It's not often that you get the chance to try an Apple Watch integration before everyone else, so when Apple approached me to test the upcoming Traning Peaks integration 10 days before its public launch, I quite literally pounced on the opportunity. And that was before I discovered I'd be using workouts set up by world-renowned ultramarathon coach Jason Koop!

Let's wind back a bit. A few months ago, Apple announced the latest cohort of its wearables, including the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9. Before that, in June 2023, the Cupertino-based company gave us a rundown of the then-upcoming WatchOS 10 update, which was said to be huge for cyclists and included an excellent third-party integration created in collaboration with TrainingPeaks.