Introduction
A number of professionals are involved actively in computing and other related works. This is mainly because the field is wide and hosts millions of professionals, researchers, as well as educators that strive to improve scientific computing. These professionals and other system users such as educators, and researchers, among others, need platforms that unite them as well as learners to improve scientific computing. This has never been easy because finding platforms, which are credible for that task has been challenging. However, a number have come into play as ways of facilitating professional networking emerge. These include ACM (Association of Computing Machinery), among others. In addition, it has been significant in linking professionals, educators, and researchers, among others stakeholders, who work to address challenges that face computing field. Moreover, these professionals share resources that help advance the computing field. This paper will explore ACM, its structure, purpose, pros, and cons. It will also endeavor to convey significance of ACM to the world as well as its ability to address challenges that face computing field (ACM, Inc. 1).
ACM
ACM is considered as the largest portal in the globe. It unites educators, and professionals, as well as researchers, among others, with a view to promoting dialogue and resource sharing to counter challenges that face computing field. Moreover, the association recognizes technical excellence, through awards and works to provide strong leadership to strengthen the profession of computing. The association also ensures professional growth to members. This is done through provision of professional networking, and life-long learning as well as career development to its members. No wonder, it has over 100000 members that come from more than 100 countries in the world. The association began back on 15th, September 1947 in New York. This was arrived at in a meeting, which was held in Columbia University. Initially, it was decided that its name be (EACM) Eastern Association of Computing Machinery. However, after just one year, in 1948, the word Eastern was dropped (ACM, Inc. 1).
The main aim of this association is to promote computing as a science and profession. This is done through promotion of science, construction, and development. The association also works to employ knowledge of machinery computing as well as handing of data and reasoning. The association draws its members from all areas of computing, which range from design to construction and development, among others. Before 1966, anyone could join ACM with the aim of promoting its purpose. However, this changed as present membership depends on qualification. The association currently offers three forms of membership namely, professional, institutional and student membership. A 16-member council governs the Association. This council consists of, among others, the president, and treasurer who again, act as secretary. In addition, council meetings are held twice a year, with executive committee allowed to meet as regularly as appropriate. The association employs staff in its headquarters, where services and products are delivered. It is also important to note that a number of volunteer committees such as publication board and education board, among others are in place to enable service delivery. ACM has more than 35 distinct areas of special interest groups, which are aimed at advancing computing (ACM, Inc. 1).
Advantages of ACM
The organization poses several advantages. These include recognition of technical excellence, through awards, which are aimed at promoting excellence in computing field. ACM provides a wide range of resources for professionals, students and institutions, which help in sustaining life-long learning. Moreover, the association publishes over 100 books, and research papers, among other resources that are distributed as required. This provides funds to authors and other development needs. ACM is also central to advancing education by initiating activities that address the shifting needs of stakeholders and students, among other professionals. The association provides career portal in which computer professionals can access opportunities. This is important in establishing lasting relationships between employers and potential employees (ACM, Inc. 1).
Disadvantages of ACM
As much as ACM thrives in its core objectives, the association possesses some disadvantages. It is quite important to note that most of its committees are composed of volunteer groups (FitzGerald and Dennis 2). This is discouraging to members of those committees as they work without financial support. Moreover, their commitment can easily be drawn into question since they have to fund themselves. In addition, job posting is quite expensive in ACM as well as other related expenses (ACM, Inc. 1).
Discussion
ACM is considered as the largest portal in the globe. It has been significant in linking professionals, educators, and researchers, among other stakeholders, who work to address challenges that face computing field. Moreover, these professionals share resources that help advance the computing field. It provides a wide range of resources, products, and services. These include publications, research papers, career development, uniting of educators, providing platform for communication between learners and researchers, as well as professionals. Concisely, the organization is significant in many ways and works to achieve its objective of promoting science and computing (ACM, Inc. 1).
Conclusion
ACM is considered as the largest portal in the globe. It unites educators, and professionals, as well as researchers, among others, with a view to promoting dialogue and resource sharing to counter challenges that face computing field. It has over 100,000 members that come from more than 100 countries in the world. The association began back on 15th, September 1947 in New York. Its aim is to promote computing as a science and profession. This is done through promotion of science, construction, and development. The association also works to employ knowledge of machinery computing as well as handing of data and reasoning. ACM provides a wide range of resources for professionals, students and institutions, which help in sustaining life-long learning. Moreover, the association publishes over 100 books, and research paper, among other resources that are distributed as required. In addition, it provides career portal in which computer professionals can access opportunities and careers (ACM, Inc. 1).
Works Cited
ACM, Inc. “ACM at a Glance: Welcome to the Association for Computing Machinery”. acm.org. 2011. Web.
FitzGerald, Jerry and Dennis, Alan. “Business Data Communications and Networking, 10th Edition”. Indiana: Wiley Press, 2009.