Although the InformationWeek 500 has identified the nation's most innovative IT organizations for 18 years, it's a constantly evolving benchmark. Unique among corporate rankings, the InformationWeek 500 spotlights the power of innovation in business technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders. Only companies with at least $500 million in annual revenue are invited to participate.

To be ranked on this year's list, candidates were asked to complete an application that examined key IT strategies. It includes a quantitative analysis of tech initiatives and priorities and a qualitative assessment using essay responses. Participants were asked to complete two essays, one on overall technology innovation and the other on one of six technology categories. The responses to all parts of the survey were evaluated, weighted, and combined into a total score, which is the basis for the ranking. The selection criteria are determined by the magazine's editors. The winners of each of the six essay categories are profiled in this issue (see p. 94).

InformationWeek 500 companies reveal key elements of their IT and business spending plans and budget. All data is aggregated by industry; individual company data is never disclosed without prior permission. Aggregated data is available in this magazine, online at informationweek.com, and in a report available on informationweekresearch.com.

Advantage Business Research provided telephone support for this year's project, and CIC Research supplied data analysis of the qualifying study.

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In Depth: How The InformationWeek 500 Cracks Businesses' Toughest Problems