The HDI currently has over 7,500 members worldwide who have the opportunity to network with peers, share ideas, debate current issues, define industry standards and address concerns that shape the industry and motivate change. It provides specialist information about the technologies, tools and trends of the help desk and IT support industry, as well as providing customised training and qualification programmes for individuals and for site certification.

Within the strategic partnership, Hornbill and the HDI will continue to work in collaboration with the following objectives in mind:

• Raise the profile of the help desk and IT support industry to become a boardroom topic
• Drive industry developments
• Advocate industry standards, best practice, education and qualifications

Patrick Bolger, sales director at Hornbill commented: "The HDI provides valuable services to its members and the support services industry as a whole, through its training, site certification and educational events. The strategic partnership provides a platform for interaction with the industry's leading vendors to help define industry standards and promote business/IT alignment. We are looking forward to working alongside HDI and other vendors to further realise the objectives of the strategic partnership during 2004."