INDUSTRY SUB-CATEGORIES:
SOFTWARE | CONTENT | EDUCATION | CORPORATE
- SOFTWARE CATEGORIES
- Best Application Management Solution
Awards the infrastructure, technology or web hosting platform that best enables software as a service or a hosted application. This award includes service-enabling solutions and or proprietary distribution solutions or platforms.
- 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 and qualitative 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 Communication or Collaboration Solution
Awards the software solution that best facilitates individual or group interaction via the Internet. Includes e-mail software, instant messaging software, translation services, voice-over-IP, groupware, etc. Also includes real-time conferencing and collaboration over the Internet.
- 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.
*Word processing, spreadsheets or presentation software are not eligible.
- 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 resources. Includes content creation, categorization, workflow, publishing and delivery tools.
- 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 best software solution for the storage, organization, management, search and retrieval of large quantities of data.
- 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 Enterprise 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.
**Point solutions should be nominated in the “Best Security Solution” category.
- 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 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 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 pubic domain or licensed according to an open source license. Includes operating systems, databases, applications, infrastructure, etc.
- Best Security Solution
Awards the software solution that best provides security to data, computers or infrastructure. This includes anti-virus products, firewalls, spam filters, encryption, privacy tools, intrusion detection, policy-based management, managed services, authentication, virtual private networks etc.
*Comprehensive security solutions (suites) should be nominated in the "Best Enterprise Security Solution" category.
- 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 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 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 Vertical Market Software Solution
Awards the best solution developed for a specific vertical market. Includes products designed to meet the unique needs of a vertical market (e.g. healthcare, construction, restaurants, etc.).
- 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.
- CONTENT CATEGORIES
- 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 must include primarily non-news sources. Includes business publications, journals, periodicals, company information, etc.
- 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 Mobile Content Service
Awards the best content service specifically for mobile devices including PDAs, phones and other wirelessly-connected devices.
- Best Online Business Information Service: non-News
Awards the best online service that delivers comprehensive company, business and/or industry information. Includes company profiles, financial data, analyst reports, niche business oriented publications, market research, etc.
- 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.
- Best Online Directory and Business Leads Service
Awards the best online service for comprehensiveness, usability, in providing directory and/or business lead data. This includes List Services.
- 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, including information on tax laws and regulations.
- Best Online Newsletter
Awards a company for the best online newsletter for online consumption; best business-oriented general circulation online or e-mail newsletter. Must include original content and may be either free or paid subscription newsletters.
*Internal corporate newsletters are not eligible.
- Best Online News Service
Awards the best online service focused on current awareness of news. Service may be from original publishers, aggregators or distributors, but must clearly be focused on the delivery of real-time 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 Reference Service
Awards the online service that best packages reference information. Includes encyclopedias, maps, etc. for home, or business use.
- Best Online Science or Technology Information Service
Awards the online service that best conveys information to a scientific or technology market. Includes journals, chemical properties data, computer technology, geophysical data, patents, standards and specifications, technical papers and reports.
- Best Solution Integrating Content into an Application
Awards the best product, service, or application integrating content into a workflow application such as CRM, ERP, accounting, or sales forecasting, planning and analysis. 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 a 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.
- EDUCATION CATEGORIES
- 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 Instructional Solution: Web-based or Online" category.
- 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 Instructional Solution: Classroom Management
Awards the best instructional management system designed for preK-12 or postsecondary educators. Includes diagnostic and remediation programs, data management and reporting tools, standards alignment tools and packages that link data and resources to instruction. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: English Language Acquisition
Awards the best solution specifically designed to benefit students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or students studying English as a Second Language (ESL), English Language Learners (ELL), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in preK-12 or postsecondary. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: Language Arts/Reading - Elementary
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for language arts/reading curriculum and content for students in grades preK-8. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: Language Arts/English - Secondary
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for Language Arts/English curriculum or content for students in grades 6-12. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: Mathematics
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for mathematics curriculum and content for students in grades preK-12. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: Non-core Content Areas
Awards the best education technology solution for students in grades 6-12 in curriculum areas. Content solutions include business education, art, foreign language, music, technology or multi-disciplinary topics. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
*Product may not be nominated in the “Best Secondary Education Instructional Solution for Language Arts/English,” “Best Instructional Solution for Mathematics,” “Best Instructional Solution for Science,” or “Best Instructional Solution for Social Studies” categories.
- Best Instructional Solution: Science
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for science or health curriculum and content for students in preK-12. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: Social Studies
Awards the best school-based education technology solution for social studies curriculum or content for students in grades preK-12. Social studies curriculum may include, but is not limited to history, sociology and geography. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Instructional Solution: 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 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 Classroom Instructional Management Solution" category.
**ESL products should be nominated in the "Best Instructional Solution for English Language Learners" category.
- Best Instructional Solution: Students at Home
Awards the educational technology solution that best extends traditional learning into the home. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages and targets preK-12 or postsecondary students.
- Best Instructional Solution: Web-based or Online
Awards the best educational website designed to provide instructional support for preK-12 students, teachers and administrators. Includes teacher communication and/or portal development tools.
*Product may not be nominated in the "Best Education Reference or Search Service" category.
- Best Mobile or Handheld Education Solution
Awards the best educational software solution, either curriculum or administrative, designed for mobile devices, including handhelds, PDAs, tablets, laptops, or integrated hardware/software solutions. This solution may be designed for preK-12 or postsecondary.
- Best Postsecondary Course or 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 Education Enterprise Portal Solution
Awards the best technology solution designed to develop and manage a postsecondary enterprise portal that integrates access to applications, data and information for students, staff, administrators and other constituents.
- Best Postsecondary Education Instructional/Curriculum 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 Product or Service for Educators
Awards the best education technology product or service designed to support professional development in preK-12 or postsecondary settings.
- Best Solution for Education Enterprise
Awards the best business management tool that supports education enterprises at preK-12 or postsecondary levels, including transportation, human resources, security, food services, financial services, data mining, data analysis, network services, special ed funding, IED tracking, etc. This solution, delivered by the internet or by network, will also best enable data exchange, processing and reporting.
- Best Student Assessment Solution
Awards the best computer-based or online solution for high-stakes assessments 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 Student Information System or Gradebook
Awards the best student information system or gradebook designed for preK-12 and postsecondary educators and administrators.
- Best Student Test Preparation Solution
Awards the best computer-based or online solution for preparation for high-stakes tests for preK-12 or postsecondary students, including both formative and summative assessments and tutorial services. Includes delivery by CD, DVD, online, handheld or multimedia packages.
- Best Technology Solution: Corporate Learning
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.
- CORPORATE CATEGORIES
- Corporate Achievement Award
Awards a business or corporation that enhances the overall development of the software and information industry. Nominees must illustrate how the company’s product or service has changed the industry’s operations, perspective or business models. Nominated companies must show a solid commitment to supporting the growth of the industry as a whole.
- Excellence in Giving Award
Recognizes software and information companies' philanthropic commitment to communities as demonstrated by their product giving programs.
- Software Newcomer of the Year Award
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.
- Content Newcomer of the Year Award
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.
- Education Newcomer of the Year Award
Awards a new education technology company whose product or service has the potential for significant impact on student, teacher or administrative markets within preK-16, either through technological advancement or new business models.
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