DATE:
July 12, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
T0107-02

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
MONICA BUCHHOLZ�
(877) 550-4286

www.iatn.net

iATN'S TECHNIGHT IS ONLINE CLASSROOM FOR TECHNICIANS

Brea, CA - Automotive service professionals from around the world meet online every Tuesday night to participate in TechNight, a live conferencing event and virtual classroom hosted by the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN). During TechNight, service professionals interact and exchange technical information and knowledge in real-time on specific topics chosen prior to the weekly event, which starts at 7 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. Topics for upcoming TechNights are initially announced on iATN's Technical Theory Forum, giving technicians time to prepare for the discussion and gather any supporting images, waveforms and photos to upload to the online group.

Technical topics for the classroom discussion have included scan data analysis, ignition systems, diagnostic challenges, fuel system diagnosis, heavy line issues, pressure transducers for diagnostics and a/c service, as well as a range of additional subjects. It's common for vehicle manufacturer and government agency representatives to join TechNight discussions when topics focus on specific vehicles, new vehicle designs and government regulations.

"These special guests use TechNight as a place to gather input and feedback. When this happens, the TechNight group becomes very influential and has a tremendous impact on shaping the future of the automotive repair industry," said iATN Founder Brent Black.

TechNight events have a moderator to guide and focus the discussions. After the event, TechNight transcripts are archived on the iATN web site (www.iatn.net) for reference.

"iATN members really look forward to TechNight because it brings them together, all at the same time, regardless of where they live. This builds camaraderie among our global membership, while providing an unbeatable educational exchange and opportunity," said Black.

To participate in TechNight, automotive service professionals must first register for the free service by joining iATN as a regular member. Technician membership requires at least four years of full-time work experience or certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Members need a Java-compatible web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape 3.x and above) or an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Client (such as mIRC for Windows; Macintosh users should refer to the Ircle home page - www.ircle.com) to participate.

iATN has additional live conferencing areas, including a room for special events and rooms for motorsports, industry and technical discussions. In addition, iATN has a technical email help system (TechMail), more than 20 "bulletin-board" style web forums and other technical resources including manufacturer-specific information and government regulations. Members who upgrade to the "sponsor" level gain access to iATN's real-world fully searchable Knowledge Base, which is a collection of relational automotive repair databases, including the FIX Database, Waveform Library, Forum Archives and TechNight Transcripts.

iATN is the world's largest community of automotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied service professionals with more than 36,000 active members from 115 countries. Collectively, this group shares more than 719,000 years of experience.

For additional information about iATN, including the latest membership statistics, visit iATN at www.iatn.net.

iATN is supported by the automotive industry's top manufacturers, information providers, suppliers, associations and publications. These industry sponsors, along with sponsoring shop and technician members, make iATN possible.

The iATN Mission of Excellence: To promote the continued growth, success and image of the professional automotive technician by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of education, professionalism and integrity.