INDUSTRY SUB-CATEGORIES:
SOFTWARE | CONTENT | EDUCATION | CORPORATE
- SOFTWARE CATEGORIES
- Best Asset Management Solution
Awards the software solution that best audits and manages software assets. This award includes all solutions designed to audit software assets across a network environment.
- Best Business Intelligence or Knowledge Management Solution
Awards the software solution that best facilitates the analyzing of quantitative business data in order to enable business managers to make strategic decisions.
- Best Business Process Automation Solution
Awards the best software solution designed to enable business to be conducted electronically between partners and/or customers. Includes applications such as supply chain management, fulfillment, eProcurement, inventory, billing, partner relationships, exchanges, delivery facilitation and similar products.
- Best Business Productivity Solution
Awards the best software solution designed to enhance efficiency across a wide range of business types. Examples include contact managers, graphic/design programs, marketing automation tools, etc. Solutions should improve business productivity, increase individual productivity or improve overall organizational efficiency.
- Best Business Software Solution
Awards the solution that best exemplifies the value that software provides to business operations. This is the best-of-breed business software category and solutions may be nominated in any other business software category. Best example of software applications for any kind of business process or operation – vertical or niche.
- Best Communication Solution
Awards the software solution that best facilitates individual or group communication via the Internet. Includes e-mail software, instant messaging software, translation services, voice-over-IP, etc.
- Best Collaboration Solution
Awards the software solution that best facilitates group interaction via the Internet. Includes groupware, real-time conferencing and collaboration over the Internet. This category also includes digital communities.
- Best Consumer Productivity Solution
Awards the software solution that most effectively assists individuals in a personal task. Examples include home reference, financial or legal applications, genealogy, home photo editing, travel, etc. Product cannot be primarily instructional.
- Best Content Management Solution
Awards the software technology solution or platform that best adds value to content accessed or distributed by the enterprise or the end-user. Enables the creation, management and modification of information on the web, intranet, or other information resource. Includes content creation, categorization, workflow, publishing and delivery tools.
- Best Data Security Solution
Awards the software solution that best provides security to data. This includes anti-virus products, firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection, etc.
- Best Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Solution
Awards the best software solution designed to expand a company's knowledge about, and relationship with, its current or potential customers and/or partners. Includes CRM, PRM, SFA, marketing automation, personalization products and services.
- Best Database Management Solution
Awards the best software solution for the storage, organization, management, search and retrieval of large quantities of data.
- Best Digital Rights Management Solution
Awards the solution that best allows the secure electronic purchase, distribution and subsequent use of software and/or information.
- Best Distributed Computing Solution
Awards the software solution that best facilitates computing that pulls from various points on the network, across a heterogeneous network or the Internet. Includes P2P, distributed computing, utility computing, dynamic provisioning, etc.
- Best Document Management Solution
Awards the best software solution for managing the document life cycle, including the processes of retrieving, sharing, tracking, revising, and distributing documents and the information they contain.
- Best eCommerce Solution
Awards the software solution that best facilitates eCommerce functions. Includes personalization tools, shopping carts, comparison bots, order forms, and delivery processes, as well as other innovative features.
- Best Enterprise Search Engine
Awards the service that best brings relevant information to users through the use of "Web crawlers," "spiders," or "robots," and/or sophisticated indexing and abstracting tools, and is licensed for use within corporate networks, intranets or portals.
- Best Financial Software Solution
Awards the best software solution that automates business financial management including AP/AR, general ledger, budgeting, resource allocation, reporting, etc.
- Best Healthcare Management Solution (Vertical)
Awards the best solution developed for management of healthcare organizations such as medical practices, hospitals, clinics, etc.
- Best Human Resources Solution
Awards the best software solution that automates any aspect of human resources management including HRIS, benefits administration, recruiting, payroll, performance appraisal, asset management, etc.
- Best Identity Management Solution
Awards the software solution that best provides security to correctly identify authorized users. This includes user authentication solutions, virtual private networks etc.
- Best Mobile Solution
Awards the best software application, software service or infrastructure solution that enables access to software functionality and boosts the productivity and adaptability of a mobile device -- including small form factor devices and/or phones. Includes operating systems, infrastructure and network solutions. *Websites are not eligible.
- Best Open Source Solution
Awards the best software solution developed from source code in either the public domain or licensed according to an open source license. Includes operating systems, databases, applications, infrastructure, etc.
- Best On-Demand Platform
Awards the software platform that best supports the development, deployment, and services needed to successfully deliver software as a service application.
- Best Professional Services Solution (Vertical)
Awards the best solution developed for management of professional services organizations such as legal practices, consulting, accounting, etc.
- Best Project Management Solution
Awards the software solution that best automates the management of project based business activities. The category includes: project management software, project accounting, project estimating, project portfolio management, project scheduling, requirements management, bug and defect tracking and resource planning and scheduling software.
- Best Security Solution
Awards the product or service that provides the best overall security solution for an enterprise or large network. This solution should include authentication, firewalls, virtual private networks, encryption, intrusion detection, policy-based management, managed services, anti-virus products, etc.
*Digital Rights Management Solutions should be nominated in the “Best Digital Rights Management Solution” category.
- Best Software as a Service Solution
Awards the best software service solution accessible through the Internet or an internal network. Includes any service (e.g. productivity applications, human resources, accounting, budgeting, sales force automation, Internet marketing & advertising services, transaction processes, etc.) managed by a provider and utilized by businesses over the Internet or an internal network.
- Best Software Development Solution
Awards the best programming language, application or development tool(s) for software or online use. Includes toolkits, diagnostic programs, IDE, applet and plug-in development tools, database development programs, etc.
- Best Software Testing Solution
Awards the best solution developed to test the functionality of a software product or service or a segment of code.
- Best Storage Software Solution
Awards the best solution that manages the remote storage of, retrieval and access to, information and data across networks. Includes SANs, storage infrastructure, NASs, backup and recovery, clustering, resource management and performance products.
- Best Systems Management Solution
Awards the tool that best assists system administrators manage and monitor networks. Includes performance monitors, system management, load-balancing tools, user analysis tools, web site administration utilities, caching software and content delivery networks.
- Best Web Services Solution
Awards the best solution that best connects disparate applications and data across an enterprise or between enterprises using web services standards. Includes Web services enabling technologies, infrastructure, middleware, system integration tools, etc.
- EDUCATION CATEGORIES
- Best Education Solution
Awards the best overall education technology solution for 2007. This solution may be instructional, administrative, or for increased productivity at the preK-12 or postsecondary level. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, or multimedia packages.
- Best K-12 Enterprise Solution
Awards the best non-instructional business management tool that supports education enterprises at the preK-12 level, including transportation, human resources, security, food services, scheduling and registration services, data mining, data analysis, student information systems, network services, special ed funding tracking, IED tracking, etc. This solution, delivered by the internet or by network, will also best enable data exchange, processing and reporting.
- Best Course/ Classroom Management Solution
Awards the best course/classroom management system designed for preK-12 educators. Includes diagnostic and remediation programs, data management and reporting tools including gradebooks, standards alignment tools and packages that link data and resources to instruction. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, or multimedia packages.
- Best K-12 Instruction Solution
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for curriculum and content that is specifically targeted toward students in preK-12 learning environments. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Education Reference or Search Service
Awards the service that EITHER best packages reference, library or research information, OR best brings relevant information to educational users. This service can include EITHER content, such as encyclopedias, maps, databases and source material OR indexing and abstracting tools, such as “Web crawlers,” “spiders,” or “robots.” Primary use should be in educational settings, either preK-12 or postsecondary.
Product may not be nominated in the "Best Online Instructional Solution" category.
- Best Corporate Learning Solution
Awards the best technology platform, service or provider that supports the continuing education of corporate employees via electronic means. Includes learning management systems, and content development, delivery and packaging tools. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity
Awards the best software tool for students, educators or administrators in preK-12 or postsecondary for document creation, graphics design, work organization, problem solving or web development. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instruction Solution in Other Curriculum Areas
Awards the best education technology solution for students in grades preK-8 in non-core curriculum areas. Content solutions include art, foreign language, music, technology or multi-disciplinary topics. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instruction Solution for Special Needs Students
Awards the best instructional solution specifically designed to benefit students with unique educational needs, including those with physical or learning disabilities or those who are gifted and talented in preK-12 or postsecondary. Includes solutions that are 508 compliant and delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
*This category is for content/curriculum products. Instructional Management products directed toward special needs students should be nominated in the "Best Course/Classroom Management Solution" category.
**ESL products should be nominated in the "Best Reading/English Instructional Solution” category
- Best Instruction Solution for Students at Home
Awards the educational technology solution that best extends traditional learning into the home. Includes tutoring, home-schooling, virtual schools and delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages and targets preK-12 or postsecondary students.
- Best Mathematics Instruction Solution
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for mathematics curriculum and content for students in grades preK-20. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Student Assessment Solution
Awards the best stand-alone computer-based or online solution for high-stakes assessments/preparation for high-stakes tests at the K-12 or postsecondary levels. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages for use in either formative or summative assessments.
- Best Online Instruction Solution
Awards the best educational website designed to provide instructional support for preK-12 students, teachers and administrators. Includes teacher communication and/or lesson planning tools and wikis.
*Product may not be nominated in the "Best Education Reference or Search Service" category.
- Best Postsecondary Course/Content Management Solution
Awards the best postsecondary technology solution with tools that either: a) aid content development and knowledge management to build undergraduate and graduate level courses, or b) enable the creation, management and modification of information on the web, intranet, or other information resources.
- Best Postsecondary Instruction Solution
Awards the best postsecondary technology solution for curriculum and content that is specifically targeted toward students in college learning environments, including undergraduate and graduate level courses. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Professional Development Solution
Awards the best education technology product or service designed to support professional development for teachers/instructors or administrators in preK-12 or postsecondary settings. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Reading/English Instruction Solution
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for language arts/reading/English curriculum and content for K-12 and postsecondary students. Includes solutions for native and non-native English speakers at all levels and delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Science Instruction Solution
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for science or health curriculum and content for students in preK-20. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Social Studies Instruction Solution
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for social studies curriculum or content for students in grades preK-20. Social studies curriculum may include, but is not limited to history, sociology and geography. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- CONTENT CATEGORIES
- Best Online Government Information Service
Awards the online service that best utilizes information in the public domain. Includes services whose primary content source(s) include: legislative, regulatory and legal content; public record databases, government reports and data.
- Best Online Science or Technology Service
Awards the online service that best conveys information to scientific or technology professionals. Includes journals, chemical properties data, developments in computer and software technology, geophysical data, patents, standards and specifications, technical papers and reports.
- Best Medical and Health Information Product
Awards the best medical and/or health related information solutions used by professional medical/health staff. *Consumer-based products should be nominated in the “Best Online Consumer Information Service” category
- Best Content Aggregation Service
Awards the best service that combines third-party content for distribution for wholesale or retail markets. Services may be directed toward other sites and services, or directly toward end-users. Aggregated content may include news, business publications, journals, periodicals, company information, etc.
- Best Online Business Information Service
Awards the best online service that delivers comprehensive company, business and/or industry information. Includes company profiles, people, financial data, analyst reports, niche business oriented publications, market research, etc. Service may include news, but that should not be its primary focus.
- Best Online News Service
Awards the best online service focused on current awareness, as opposed to breaking news. Service may be from original publishers or distributors, and must clearly be focused on the delivery of news.
- Best Online Professional Financial Information Service
Awards the best online service providing financial or market data information and/or news for professional markets, including trading, small business and high-end individuals utilizing professional services. Includes real-time market data, financial news services, market indices and analysis, credit services, company information and commentary relating to stocks, bonds and markets.
- Best Online Consumer Information Service
Awards the best online service and/or website with specific focus on information targeted toward individuals, consumers, hobbyists and home users. Includes travel, sports, consumer medical reference, tax preparation, etc. Excludes services whose primary focus is news.
- Best Online General Reference Service
Awards the online service that best packages reference information. Includes encyclopedias, maps, wikis, etc. for home or business use.
- Best Online Directory & Business Leads Service
Awards the online service for comprehensiveness, usability, in providing directory and/or business lead data
- Best Subscription E-Mail Newsletter
Awards the best paid-subscription online newsletter which consists primarily of original content, must be paid subscription. RSS feeds, blogs and internal corporate newsletters are not eligible.
- Best Solution Integrating Content into Workflow
Awards the best product, service, or application integrating content into a workflow application such as CRM, legal, scientific, financial planning and analysis, etc. Can be nominated as an end-user application or service or as a customized solution using APIs or other links into content.
- Best Vertical Market Business Content Solution
Awards the online service that best serves any specific vertical or niche market. Includes architecture/construction; real estate; automotive; chemical; food production/processing/packaging/service; graphics/printing/publishing; healthcare; hospitality; manufacturing; retail; transportation/logistics, etc.
- Best Blog Aggregation Service
Awards the service that best organizes blog content for ease-of-use. Services may be directed toward other blog sites and services or directly toward end-users. May include original content. Examples include: Corante, PajamasMedia, Seekingalpha.
- Best Corporate Blog
Best web log that is specifically created to complement an existing business or about businesses in an industry. Includes CEO blogs, official company blogs. URL must be part of the corporate domain.
- Best Financial Blog
Awards the best blog commenting on financial markets and/or news. Includes commentary on real-time market data, financial markets, company information. Does not include blogs providing only investment advice. Examples Capital Spectator, Alchemy of Trading, Big Picture Speculator.
- Best Media Blog
The news & media blogs' primary focus is to report and analyze current events, newsworthy stories, news personalities, the media itself, and other themes related to news, media and current events about the business of media.
- Best Technology Blog
Best web log that provides commentary on issues of software, hardware, networks, telephony and their impact on business process. Includes, but not limited to, business product reviews, issues of technology businesses, technology business news and analysis, trends, Web design and development blogs, search engine blogs, and any other blog whose primary emphasis is some aspect of technology.Should be business-focused, not personal-use focused.
- CORPORATE CATEGORIES
- Corporate Achievement
Awards a business or corporation that enhances the overall development of the software and information industry. Nominated companies must show a solid commitment to supporting the growth of the industry as a whole.
- Content Newcomer of the Year
Awards a new information company whose product or service has the potential for significant impact on information aggregation, functional use or distribution in any category, either through technological advancement or new business models. The nominated company may not have been in business for more than 3 years. (from 01/01/04)
- Education Newcomer of the Year
Awards a new education technology company whose product or service has the potential for significant impact on student, teacher or administrative markets within preK-20, either through technological advancement or new business models. The nominated company may not have been in business for more than 3 years. (from 01/01/04)
- Software Newcomer of the Year
Awards a new software or software services company whose product or service has the potential for significant impact on the industry, either through technological advancement or new business models. The nominated company may not have been in business for more than 3 years. (from 01/01/04)
- Excellence in Giving
Awarded in conjunction with Gifts in Kind International, this award recognizes product philanthropic efforts that have made a measurable difference. The program may be international, national or local. Nominations will be judged by a panel of national/international organization representatives with expertise in philanthropy and product giving.
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