Computing this week launches its Awards for Excellence for 2008. For the 16th annual event of the most prestigious awards in UK IT, we want to recognise the skills, professionalism and experience of our readers.

The awards focus on the contribution of individuals, teams and organisations that have excelled in the use, development and deployment of IT.

The winners will be announced at a lavish prizegiving ceremony, to be held at the Battersea Park Events Arena in London on 5 November.

Gaining a Computing award ­- acknowledged as the Oscars of the IT industry ­- can be a major boost for your company’s profile and business opportunities.

Last year’s winners agreed that the prize represented significant recognition of their hard work and achievements.

The top prize in 2007, for the Outstanding Contribution to UK IT, was presented to Stephen Timms MP, at the time minister of state for competitiveness, for championing the role of IT in government and kick-starting a debate on next-generation broadband in the UK.

“I am delighted to have been awarded this prize,” said Timms.

“IT is a real priority for me; ensuring access to high performance technology in the UK is vital if we are going to compete successfully on a global basis.”

Last year’s IT Leader of the Year was Rorie Devine, chief technology officer at online gambling company Betfair.

“When I heard my name as the winner of the award I was just stunned,” he said.

“Receiving the award, judged by such an illustrious panel of my peers, is an honour. My thanks goes to Computing for providing the platform to demonstrate the wide range of talent and creativity in our industry.”

Last year was also a record year for entries to the awards ­ 20 per cent up on the previous high ­ with the quality of entries consistently impressive, so competition is sure to be fierce again in 2008.

Details on how to enter the 16th annual Computing Awards for Excellence are available online at www.computing.co.uk/awards.

We look forward to receiving your entries.

Computing Awards for Excellence 2008 ­ – the categories

Project Awards

• Private Sector Project of the Year
• Public Sector Project of the Year
• Community Project of the Year
• Innovative Project of the Year
• Green Project of the Year
• Outsourcing Project of the Year
• Student Project of the Year

Individual and Team Awards

• IT Leader of the Year
• IT Professional of the Year
• IT Department of the Year
• IT Team of the Year

Company Awards

• Best IT Strategy
• Best Small Business IT Strategy
• IT Employer of the Year

Industry Awards

• Business Hardware Supplier of the Year
• Business Software Supplier of the Year
• IT Services Supplier of the Year
• Networking and Communications Supplier of the Year
  
• IT PR Company of the Year
• Recruitment Consultancy of the Year
• Technology Advertising Campaign of the Year

Editor’s Award

• Outstanding Contribution to UK IT