January 2008 -- Even before USPTA launched what was one of the first tennis industry Web sites in 1995, our Association had been on the cutting edge of computer technology since the very early ’80s.
When we started computerizing USPTA, it wasn’t nearly as glamorous as what would become the much-publicized Information Superhighway. Technology in the early days involved placing typed and sometimes hand-written information about each member into a computer database and actually writing the computer code that would organize the information and make it retrievable.
It was this sort of behind-the-scenes work that you probably wouldn’t give a second thought. But, it led us to more advanced uses of computers, an eventual Web presence, our first Internet-based member services and the reality that we can and will continue to give you - the USPTA member - the ability to manage your membership and even your tennis business with the world’s latest technology.
This month, we’re once again promoting one of the most valuable of these benefits - the USPTA personal Web site - with the announcement of a contest on Page 8. If you’re already using this phenomenal tool, that’s great. If you’re not, this is as good a time as any to start the new year off with a new Web site. Use Find-a-Pro to find your own last name and then use the link on the right side of the page to get to your basic site, which already features your name and professional rating. Under the "Contact me" tab, you’ll find your name, address and work phone number. To begin personalizing your site, just log in at the top, left corner to get started.
While we will continue to offer you the latest trends when it comes to computers and your membership, there’s a lot more happening on the technology front that’s not directly related to computers. Along this vein, and as chairman of the USPTA Information Technology Committee, I’m happy to announce that USPTA will begin a series of articles in
ADDvantage that will highlight various types of technology. These articles, written by staff members of the USPTA Information Technology Department, will explore numerous topics, including digital TV, high definition TV and combined services for Internet, telephone and TV.
Also, look for articles on home networking, including wireless networks, and the latest news about computer security, including virus protection, spyware and mal ware.
These topics and many others will be covered, and you’re welcome to suggest some of your own. More tools and guidance on how to utilize these tools will help you to become more efficient and more "professional." It’s our hope that the information you glean from these articles will help you take advantage of the technology that is available to you as a general consumer and a USPTA member.
