#techplus

Tech Plus

Technology has become a driving force behind the transformation of the modern business landscape, revolutionizing the way organizations operate, communicate, and compete. From enhancing communication to streamlining operations and improving customer experiences, technology has reshaped the way businesses function in today’s dynamic environment. Technology has made our personal and professional lives easier, safer, convenient and a lot more effective. Let’s delve into how technology is changing the modern business world with real-world examples that showcase its impact across various sectors.

Communication Transformation

One of the most significant impacts of technology on businesses is the transformation of communication channels. In the past, businesses relied on traditional methods like face-to-face meetings and phone calls. Today, technology has enabled instant and global communication through email, video conferencing, and social media platforms. For instance, companies like Walmart have leveraged technology to enhance their communication strategies, engaging with stakeholders seamlessly through various digital channels. The recent pandemic of COVID-19 that brought the entire world to a standstill, the technology was explored , developed and utilized to the maximum. Organizations managed the functioning through the remote working of the employees located in different places. Apart from the conversation, heavy file sharing of documents, plans photographs were done seamlessly.

Marketing and Advertising Evolution

Technology has revolutionized marketing and advertising practices, empowering businesses to reach their target audiences more effectively and affordably. Digital marketing tools such as search engine optimization, social media marketing, and content marketing have replaced traditional print media methods. The organizations could reach a large mass of theirs target audience in a specific filtered methods offering wider, effective and enhanced reach. Digital technologies replaced the paper advertising, flex printing and other hard copy presentations, to a large extent. Moreover the digital communication offered a very high visibility with extended long-lasting presence. The social media tools like Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter) etc gave the external booster advantage as the viewers and customers could easily spread the messages to further ahead in their contacts and followers. Custom promotional gifts integrated into digital campaigns, like customized pin badges and stickers, have helped businesses differentiate themselves and engage their audiences in innovative ways.

CompTIA is launching a new certification exam, CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71), designed to validate the skills of entry-level IT professionals. It’s an updated version of the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (Exam FC0-U61) certification, with some key differences. 

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons to pursue or forego the CompTIA Tech+ certification. This certification opens up a wide range of job opportunities in the industry and significantly boosts your earning potential. Moreover, it equips you with the necessary skills to excel in the ever-evolving IT landscape. Let’s dive in and discover how this certification can transform your career!

What is CompTIA Tech+

CompTIA Tech+ is a pre-professional certification for candidates seeking a career in IT. The Tech+ exam certifies that you have what it takes to tackle the fundamentals of computing, IT infrastructure, applications, software development, databases, and security. You must prove that you can handle peripherals, web browsers, and wireless networks. The exam also tests your troubleshooting skills and ability to spot security risks. It might be the perfect stepping stone for newcomers who want to dive deeper into IT and maybe even pursue certifications like A+ down the line.

Who Should Consider CompTIA Tech+ Certification?

Thinking about a career in IT? Not sure where to start? This entry-level cert could be your ticket. It’s great for students and anyone new to tech who wants a solid foundation. Even if you’re already working in tech, it can help you sharpen your skills and stay on top of things. And if you’re a tech-adjacent worker who needs tech literacy to enhance job performance, this cert’s for you! 

However, if you have a solid understanding of IT or are already working in an IT job, Tech+ might not be for you.

What Sets CompTIA Tech+ Apart from ITF+?

The CompTIA Tech+ certification represents a significant evolution from the IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+), designed to better equip IT professionals for a rapidly advancing tech landscape. The CompTIA Tech+ certification will be fully available by August 28, 2024, and the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) will retire in the summer of 2025.

So, what’s the difference between the two? Let’s take a look:

Enhanced Focus on Hardware: Tech+ goes deeper into hardware compared to ITF+. It covers how to install and configure peripheral devices, understand the mechanics of computing components, and differentiate between types of storage. 

Cloud Computing and Virtualization: Tech+ brings cloud computing and virtualization into the mix, areas not covered by ITF+. With the rise of cloud services in business infrastructures, understanding these concepts is essential for any IT professional.

Advanced Networking: Tech+ explores networking more extensively than ITF+. It looks at different internet service types, network communication basics, and setting up small wireless networks, highlighting the essential role that networking plays in the IT field.

Cutting-Edge Technologies(like AI): The certification now includes emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Robust Security Training: Both certifications touch on security, but Tech+ does a deeper dive. It tackles encryption, wireless network security, and password management, among other topics, reflecting the heightened focus on security in our increasingly digital world.

ITF+ received relatively little attention from both job seekers and employers. With these changes, we can hope to see a shift for Tech+. These updates should make Tech+ a more comprehensive and practical certification, ensuring that IT professionals are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern tech landscape and advance in their careers.

Jobs You Can Get with CompTIA Tech+

The CompTIA Tech+ exam is ideal for individuals pursuing professional-level certifications like CompTIA A+, which can lead to technical support and IT operations roles. While a Tech+ certification may not guarantee your first job, it provides a solid foundation for your IT career. With a Tech+ certification, you can pursue entry-level IT roles such as:

Service and user help desk support

Technical support specialist

Associate network engineer

Data support technician

Desktop support administrator

Help desk technician

System support specialist.

Is CompTIA Tech+ Worth It?

If you’re new to IT and looking to understand the basics, the Tech+ certification could be a good starting point. However, consider these factors before deciding:

Current Knowledge: If you have no prior IT experience, Tech+ is an excellent introduction. However, if you’re already familiar with the basics of computers and technology, you might consider skipping Tech+ and opting for the A+ certification to save time.

Career Goals: It’s uncertain how much employers will recognize Tech+ compared to A+. For entry-level IT roles, employers typically prefer the A+ certification. A+ is likely the better choice if you’re aiming to quickly enter the IT workforce. However, if you’re transitioning gradually into IT, Tech+ can provide a solid foundation and boost your confidence.

Cost and Time Investment: Tech+ is expected to be less expensive and requires less study time than A+, but A+ offers a higher return on investment due to its broad recognition and relevance in the job market.

Job Market Value: ITF+ is rarely a job requirement, and it’s unclear what the case will be for Tech+. However, A+ is often essential for many entry-level IT positions. Investing in A+ is generally more beneficial for your career prospects.

A guest at the Skool Media exhibition stand

Skool Media at TechPlus 2016

TechPlus 2016 has come and gone. This week, we will bring you highlights from our experience at the biggest tech gathering in Africa. The event featured many of the big names in the tech space in Africa so it was an honour to be part of such an event. There will be pictures, lessons, excerpts from presentations, and more. 

So, what did Skool Media do at TechPlus? 

We had an exhibition stand which was an opportunity for people to learn about our work. Many who strolled in had the opportunity to experience a smart school for the first time. 

Skool Media staff, Obinodu Cynthia welcomes guests to the exhibition stand

“This is what we do,” Omolara Davies explains to guest at the stand

Asides the exhibition stand, Project Director, Moses Imayi also spoke on the topic--”Financing the Smart School: What are the Options?” The well-attended event also had Nkem Begho, Director, Futuresoft and Simcity and Yomi Adedeji, CEO, Softcom as panelists. 

It was exciting to learn about the different options for financing the smart school; the options that work in other countries; the options that work in Nigeria. Skool Media has been able to weather the storm of financing, despite the many challenges, Imayi explained that the project relies on public-private partnership. 

It was an enriching experience for us all. Expect more pictures and lessons from our Techplus2016 experience.