Avanade CIO Recognized as a Computerworld 2008 Premier 100 IT Leader

Business Wire, Dec 13, 2007

Dale Christian Honored by IDG's Computerworld for Excellence in Information Technology Leadership

SEATTLE -- Avanade, a global IT consultancy, today announced that Dale Christian, the company's chief information officer, has been recognized as one of Computerworld's 2008 Premier 100 IT Leaders.

This year's recipients were selected from nearly 800 nominees who were evaluated using Computerworld's IT Leader Index, a measurement of how closely an individual matches Computerworld's definition of the IT Leader. Christian was honored for using IT to empower the Avanade global community of consultants with the tools needed to perform their jobs faster and more effectively. In addition, under Christian's direction, Avanade continues the practice of adopting the latest Microsoft products as an early adopter, allowing the company to build expertise on next-generation technologies and bring that experience to customers worldwide.

Now in its ninth year, this prestigious honor shines a spotlight on leaders from both the technology and business sides of a broad range of companies. Computerworld's 2008 Premier 100 IT Leaders award honors the 100 executives who have led their organizations by mentoring and motivating employees, envisioning innovative solutions to business challenges, and effectively managing and executing IT strategies.

"We're pleased Dale has been recognized for the leadership he has demonstrated as CIO for Avanade," said Mitch Hill, chief executive officer at Avanade. "Dale has played an integral role in enabling Avanade professionals across the globe to increase productivity and connect with customers across geographies and time zones. He has also helped improve our own internal business performance by introducing innovative, collaborative technologies into Avanade's global network. This level of collaboration is critical to maintaining Avanade's high level of customer satisfaction as the company continues its strong growth worldwide."

The 2008 Honorees will be recognized at Computerworld's upcoming Premier 100 IT Leaders Conference held March 9-11, 2008, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla. Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders Conference involves companies across all industries, as well as government and educational organizations.

"This year's class of Honorees is characterized by a diversity that demonstrates the value of unique backgrounds and approaches in building an outstanding IT organization," said Scot Finnie, editor-in-chief, Computerworld. "Yet what these individuals have in common is an expertise born of hard work and an intangible leadership quality they can tap to successfully champion IT not only as a business enabler, but as a business influencer. The professionals honored in Computerworld's 2008 Premier 100 IT Leaders Awards Program, and by extension the organizations they represent, are clearly mindful of their role and obligation as leaders of the global IT community."

The complete class of Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2008 appears online at http://www.premier100.com and will be featured in the Dec. 10, 2007 issue of Computerworld.

About Avanade

Avanade is a global IT consultancy dedicated to using the Microsoft platform to help enterprises achieve profitable growth. Through proven solutions that extend Microsoft technologies, Avanade helps enterprises increase revenue, reduce costs and reinvest in innovation to gain competitive advantage. Avanade consultants deliver value according to each customer's requirements, timeline and budget by combining insight, innovation and the talent of our global workforce. Founded in 2000 by Accenture and Microsoft Corp., Avanade has more than 7,500 professionals serving customers in 22 countries worldwide.

About Computerworld

Computerworld is the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (www.computerworld.com), weekly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest (40 edition) global IT media network. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 awards, including Folio Magazine's 2006 Gold EDDIE Award for the best technology/computing magazine, the 2004 and 2006 Magazine of the Year Award, and 2006 Best Overall Web Publication from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). In addition, in 2007 Computerworld's then editor in chief Don Tennant received the prestigious Timothy White Award from American Business Media. Computerworld leads the industry with an online audience of over 2 million unique, monthly visitors and a print audience of 1,222,000 readers each week (IntelliQuest CIMS Spring 2007).

About International Data Group (IDG)

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG's online network includes more than 450 Web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment, and video games worldwide. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries including CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high-quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.