IT professionals employed by IBM will be given
fast-track entry into the British Computer Society under a
membership drive to be unveiled next week.
The BCS plans to recognise IBM's IT architect and IT specialist
qualifications as equivalent to the BCS's membership criteria.
IBM, which introduced its own professional qualifications in
1991, is the first firm to provide access to BCS membership, but
others are expected to follow.
"This is a major step for IBM toward achieving improved external
recognition of its professional capability," said Alan Hewitt, IT
architect profession leader at IBM.
To qualify, employees will have to follow IBM's internal
assessment process, which includes evaluating work on customer
projects and assessing the ability to mentor staff.
The assessment programme will ensure that the level of work
performed by staff is consistent, professional and exceeds
expectations, said IBM.
David Clarke, BCS chief executive, said IBM's programme will
help to increase the professionalism of the IT industry.