Which companies made the list in 2009?
You can access the complete list of 2009 InformationWeek 500 winners here.

When does the application period open and close?
The application period for the 2010 InformationWeek 500 opens January 1 and closes April 30.

Does my company qualify?
The InformationWeek 500 is by invitation only. The criteria used in the selection process are determined by InformationWeek editors. To make the list, a company must demonstrate a pattern of technological, procedural, and organizational innovation. Only organizations with $250 million or more in annual revenue are invited to participate in the study (a company may also qualify if they are a subsidiary of a parent company with revenue of $250 million or more). The InformationWeek 500 examines the technology strategies and initiatives of companies across the 21 industries (excluding government and education).

Find out more about the technology initiatives that put our 2009 winners on top.

Why should my company apply?
Unique among technology lists, the InformationWeek 500 spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders. By participating in the study, you'll be able to:

This year, all companies will receive two complimentary InformationWeek Analytics reports upon submission of their application. In addition, companies named to the 2010 InformationWeek 500 will:

The top five companies will be profiled in the 2009 InformationWeek 500 issue and on the site, and they'll be featured in a special InformationWeek 500 Analytics Report. As in previous years, we will also honor those companies selected at the top of their industries, as well as the five organizations demonstrating the most innovative uses of technology in the essay portion of the application.

Don't miss this opportunity for your company to receive the distinct honor of being recognized as one of the America's most innovative users of information technology.

How do I apply?
Companies must pre-register for the 2010 InformationWeek 500 by completing a short online form at: http://informationweek.2010IW500prereg.sgizmo.com.

If an organization qualifies, a follow-up email will be sent with a link to an application which can be completed entirely online. This comprehensive survey, written by InformationWeek editors, is used to identify the InformationWeek 500.

The application is finely focused on measuring the strategies and initiatives at the core of business technology innovation. Companies can access InformationWeek 500 Application Tips to guide them through the process.

The application can be completed over a period of multiple sessions. Click on the "Save and Continue" link located in the top right-hand corner of the online application to save your progress. An editing link (which will differ from the link included in your original e-mail invitation) will be e-mailed to you. Bookmark this link in your browser to access your saved application. If you lose the editing link, please e-mail iw500@techweb.com and it will be re-sent to you.

Why should I complete the essay?
We strongly recommend that you take time to complete the brief essay question that is a part of this year's InformationWeek 500 qualifying application. It offers an opportunity to tell us about initiatives that may not otherwise be referenced in the survey. It also provides the opportunity for your company to be recognized for specific achievements for key initiatives conducted by your IT organization in the past 12 months. Organizations that submit this essay score consistently higher in the InformationWeek 500.

Will my company's information be disclosed?
Although InformationWeek 500 candidates reveal key elements of IT spending plans and budgets during the research process, the data is aggregated by industry and individual responses are never disclosed. Nor do we disclose individual contact information of participants to third parties or to companies not directly involved in the InformationWeek 500 study.

When will I find out whether or not my company made the list?
If your company is among the 500 companies to make this year's InformationWeek 500 ranking, an e-mail alert containing pertinent information on your company will be forwarded in July to confirm the accuracy of the information gathered. At the same time, it is possible that you might receive telephone calls and e-mails from InformationWeek reporters interested in interviewing members of your senior staff for the InformationWeek 500 issue.

What if my company doesn't make the list?
The InformationWeek 500 is a very competitive study and only 500 companies can make the final listing. However, if your company demonstrates a pattern of technological, procedural, and organizational innovation, it is possible it will be featured in InformationWeek after the InformationWeek 500 publishes.

When will the 2010 InformationWeek 500 companies be publicly announced?
The InformationWeek 500 will be honored at the 2010 InformationWeek Conference and Awards Gala, September 12-14, 2010. The full list of winners will appear both in the 2010 InformationWeek 500 issue and online at informationweek.com/500.

Who is Executive Alliance?
Executive Alliance is the creator and provider of premium leadership-recognition forums that honor and celebrate outstanding achievement of executives in different industries. InformationWeek has partnered with Executive Alliance on the program management for the InformationWeek 500 since 2006. You may receive messages and phone calls directly from Executive Alliance. Executive Alliance will also be notifying companies making the 2010 InformationWeek 500 list and verifying information appearing in print and online.

Where can I go with questions or for more information?
InformationWeek offers a way to get answers to your InformationWeek 500 questions. We welcome your inquiries by e-mail at iw500@techweb.com. Please include your name, company name, and day-time telephone phone number on all communications. All queries will be handled as quickly as possible.

Consider iw500@techweb.com as your direct link to the editors and researchers behind the InformationWeek 500. You can submit any questions you have about this year's study or previous year studies using iw500@techweb.com. Please include your name, company name, day-time telephone phone number on all communications. This year InformationWeek is partnering with Executive Alliance on the survey program management, so you may receive messages and phone calls directly from Executive Alliance. All queries will be handled as quickly as possible. You can also request an appointment here should you like to complete your 2010 application by telephone. Simply e-mail us at iw500@techweb.com with your contact information.

Additional information on the InformationWeek 500 can be found on the InformationWeek 500 Resource Center.