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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - May 12, 2004. The Network Professional Association® (NPA) today recognized five individuals as the Association hosted it's third annual Awards for Professionalism ceremony at NetWorld+ Interop 2004, which took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The awards program, in cooperation with NetWorld+Interop, honors individuals for their outstanding achievements within the network computing industry. Each winner received a specially designed personalized trophy, several book selections and access to Safari Online Books compliments of Que and Sams Publishing, and a one-year membership in the NPA.

According to the NPA chairman of the board, Jim Belasco, "These awards demonstrate our continued recognition of professionals in the field of networking who have achieved success through innovation and commitment." By teaming with NetWorld+Interop, the NPA enhances the prestige and visibility of award winners while continuing the awards as a standard ceremony at this definitive annual networking event.

Ed Tittle was honored with the Best Networking Professional Career Achievement Award due to the contributions he has brought to the networking industry. Ed is a veteran world-renowned expert in training, certification, and IT technologies with over 120 books to his credit, innumerable articles, and an extensive background in program development, senior management, speaking, teaching, editing, consulting and research. In discussing his appreciation for the award, Ed noted "I am both honored and delighted to have been chosen for the 2004 NPA Career Achievement Award, especially since it puts me in the same category as my esteemed colleagues John McHale and Stephen Ibaraki. I hope to continue to warrant the award and its recognition, and am always glad to do what I can to help IT professionals prepare for and manage career development, growth, and advancement. In some small part, I hope my contributions to Exam Cram, InformIT.com, TechTarget.com, and Certification magazine have helped IT professionals already."

Steve Stevenson was chosen as the NPA Outstanding Mentor. Mr. Stevenson was selected due to his years of support to new network professionals in the San Diego California area. Members of the NPA's San Diego chapter noted, "He was never condescending or impatient, but really wanted me to learn and to succeed. If I made a mistake, he would take the time to explain again until I understood. He treated me with high regard and that made me feel more confident. He believed in me and helped me believe in myself. Steve taught me the 'right way'."

Paul Laux was selected for the Most Innovative Networking Project or Implementation, Corporate Fortune X. While employed at IBM, Mr. Laux was the project lead for Xcel Energy where a Windows 2000 migration was successfully completed for over 200 networked servers and 6,000 clients computers covering 28 different desktop and laptop configurations. Mr. Laux has been an NPA member since the organization was formed and had been the Denver chapter president.

Matt Fahl was selected for the Most Innovative Networking Project or Implementation, Corporate Small Business, as a result of a project for Jackson & Blanc Mechanical Contractors to monitor and control systems servicing a chilled water cooling plant for the East Village District in San Diego California. Mr. Fahl implemented a thoroughly planned Internet access failover in order to provide for continuous access to the remote systems.

David Turner was selected for the Most Innovative Networking Project or Implementation, Independent Network Contractor, for completion of a national network prototype for Dore Achievement Centers, a drug-free program to treat learning difficulties. The prototype was highly dependent upon a browser server application and special PC-based United Kingdom diagnostic equipment combination.

.In keeping with the professionalism themed event, the attendees were provided a dynamic presentation from Gregory Mears of National Seminars. The audience was engaged in a discussion of leadership, creativity, and fun in the workplace with special emphasis on the network professional's role as a leader and team member.