Beta-Testers Wanted for OMG's Distributed Real-time & Embedded Computing Certification Program; OMG seeks qualified individuals to Beta Test examinations

NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2006--The Object Management Group(TM) (OMG(TM)) today announced that it is offering a 60% discount for qualified candidates volunteering to take beta versions of its Distributed Real-time and Embedded (DRE) computing certification examinations. Beta examinations will be available on these dates:

-- Intermediate level: June 5-July 7, 2006

-- Advanced level: June 26-July 28, 2006

Beta testers will receive a 60% discount off the regular exam fee. Beta results are used to statistically validate exam questions and determine scoring; when the analysis is complete, beta test-takers will receive their certification on the same basis as if they had taken the standard test forms. Regular testing will begin towards the end of 2006.

OMG specifications standardize every step of DRE software development from requirements analysis and design, through development, to deployment and maintenance. Certifying knowledge of this specification suite, the program starts with the Model Driven Architecture(R) (MDA(R)) and Unified Modeling Language(TM) (UML(R)) including the two DRE-specific profiles, and extends through Real-Time CORBA(R) and CORBA/e (CORBA for embedded), to special lightweight versions of component computing environments and related standards.

Each successful candidate becomes an OMG-Certified Real-time and Embedded Specialist (OCRES(TM)). The OCRES website, http://www.omg.org/ocres, includes links to a detailed examination coverage map and on-line beta program application form.

OCRES is a worldwide joint venture of the OMG and UML Technology Institute (UTI).

"This is a major step toward finalizing the OCRES Certification Program. To date, there has been no datum for IT professionals to measure their hard earned Real-Time and Embedded development expertise against. By offering official certification, OMG and UTI provide employers and candidates alike with a gauge of an individual's knowledge of DRE computing standards," said Dr. Richard Soley, chairman and CEO, OMG.

"Twelve DRE experts and practitioners participated in the creation of the OCRES Certification Program, including authors of the specifications and chairs of the adopting Task Forces. As team leader, I can attest to the technical knowledge of the participants, the quality of the test items, the coverage of the included specifications, and the rigor of the review process. I believe these exams will provide the IT community with a succinct measurement of an individual's knowledge of OMG's DRE computing specifications," said Dr. Jon Siegel, OMG vice president, Technology Transfer and manager of the OCRES certification program project.

About the UML Technology Institute

The UML Technology Institute Co., LTD. was founded to promote the use of open, standards-based modeling technologies through the development of international certification programs that provide formal recognition of modeling expertise. With headquarters in Tokyo, UML Technology Institute was established in November 2002 by PA Co., Ltd. and Object Technology Institute, the OMG Representative in Japan.

About The OMG

With well-established standards covering software from design and development, through deployment and maintenance, and extending to evolution to future platforms, the Object Management Group (OMG) supports a full-lifecycle approach to enterprise integration which maximizes ROI, the key to successful IT. OMG's Modeling standards, the basis for the MDA(R), include the Unified Modeling Language(TM) (UML(R)) and Common Warehouse Metamodel (CWM(TM)). CORBA(R), the Common Object Request Broker Architecture, is OMG's standard open platform with hundreds of millions of deployments running today. Headquartered in Needham, MA, USA, the Object Management Group is an international, open membership, not-for-profit computer industry specifications consortium. More information about OMG can be found at www.omg.org.

Note to editors: MDA, Model Driven Architecture, OMG Logo, CORBA, UML and UML logo are registered trademarks, and OMG, Object Management Group, MOF, MDA Logos, OCRES and Unified Modeling Language are trademarks, of Object Management Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.