SPECIAL FEATURE: Information Technology: Code of ethics among IT professionals needed.

As the new millennium draws near, the public becomes more aware of the importance of information technology. IT is expected to play a bigger role in the near future, what with developments in communications and electronic commerce, and the looming Y2K problem.

These have put the spotlight on IT professionals, who are responsible for technology products and services. The public is now pointing out the IT professionals' need for professionalism.

In her paper "Do IT Professionals Need a Code of Ethics?" Dr. Deborah G. Johnson said, "Professionalism is encouraged when members of a particular occupation form a group and assume responsibility for certain aspects of their profession, such as accrediting educational programs, specifying membership standards, certifying skills and interfacing with regulatory agencies.

Such a group must convince society that it is worthy of public trust, …