IDG's Computerworld Best in Class IT Leaders Turn Technology Ideas into Practical Business Value

PALM DESERT, Calif., March 5, 2002 -- IDG’s Computerworld today announced the "Best in Class" information technology (IT) leaders, a select group among Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2002. The 10 Best in Class award recipients, including FedEx Corp., Staples Inc., and State Street Corp., were selected by an independent review panel based on the ability to demonstrate particularly striking business value from a leading-edge technology project.

The honorees were asked to share their knowledge and expertise with peers in the IT community by presenting their project as a case study or panel discussion at this week’s Premier 100 IT Leaders Conference, being held at the Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. Case study topics included Web commerce and infrastructure, supply chain management and wireless initiatives.

"Best in Class recipients are honored for their ability to align technology projects with specific business objectives," said Maryfran Johnson, editor in chief, Computerworld. "The business savvy and technology vision leveraged by these IT leaders to solve specific challenges and leverage new opportunities serve as a model of excellence and deliver practical lessons learned for all IT leaders."

"For me, the Best in Class award isn’t necessarily about technology excellence; it’s about communication between technical and business staff regarding fundamental business needs combined with the ability to leverage technology for a competitive business advantage," explained one of this year’s Best in Class award recipients, Bob Palmer, vice president of IT at Lenox Collections, a division of Lenox Inc. "By sharing lessons learned from my organization’s recent IT experience with my peers at the Premier 100 IT Leaders Conference, I’m hoping that attendees will take away new ideas or unique perspectives that can be applied in their own organizations."

Best in Class Award Recipients

Burlington Coat Factory Corp. -- Selected an unconventional choice of operating systems that demonstrated the viability of Linux for widespread use across an enterprise.

Corning Inc. -- Turned the standard ERP model upside down.

FedEx Corp. -- Gave customers a Web-based guide to navigate the fast-paced world of international trade.

Galactic Ltd. -- Designed a way for its clients’ employees to earn rewards for money-saving ideas.

GFI Group Inc. -- Enabled online trading of financial and commodity derivatives.

HON Industries -- Implemented a new system that increased scheduling accuracy by 20 percent.

Lenox Inc. -- Implemented a "do-it-yourself" Web site that helped to increase sales by 115 percent.

Staples Inc. -- Developed a system allowing customers to consolidate their Staples.com and in-store purchases into one transaction.