Network World Profiles Network Industry's Most Powerful Companies and People in Annual "Power" Issue
Washington Mutual Named 19th Annual User Excellence Award Winner

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA — December 22, 2003 – Network World, the Leader in Network Knowledge, announced its choices for the 10 companies and 50 people who today wield the most power in the network industry. The picks are featured in Network World's 10th annual Power Issue, a special year-end double issue that also highlights cutting-edge technologies, innovative network projects and trends empowering the network industry.

Companies selected for the 10 most powerful companies in networking demonstrate innovation, strong financials, market domination, and a continued drive to push the technological edge. The 10 most powerful companies for 2003, in order of their ranking, are: Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO), IBM (NYSE:IBM), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ), Dell (NASDQ:DELL), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), EMC (NYSE:EMC), Verizon (NYSE:VZ), Symantec (NASDAQ:SYMC), and AT&T (NYSE:T).

This year's list of 50 most powerful people in networking, ranked for the first time, includes many well-known names and some new faces among the vendor, government, education and user communities. Topping the list are Cisco CEO John Chambers, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, IBM CEO Sam Palmisano, Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) CIO Linda Dillman. From outside the network industry, but making an impact with their forward thinking, and at times contentious decisions, are Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Rep. Michael Oxley (R-Ohio), as well as Kevin Martin, FCC commissioner.

A complete list and descriptions of the 50 most powerful people, and profiles of the 10 most powerful companies, are available online at www.nwfusion.com/power/2003

Another highlight of the Power Issue is Network World's annual User Excellence Award, honoring enterprise network projects that have considerably empowered the enterprise. This year, Network World names Washington Mutual (NYSE:WM) the winner of its 19th annual User Excellence Award. Washington Mutual (WaMu) earned this year's award for building an enterprise Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network of massive size and scope, allowing for the bank's rapid nationwide expansion. Conservative cost estimates for an MPLS deployment project on the scale of WaMu's range in the tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars, and WaMu officials verify that first year ROI was a 25% reduction in IT operational costs.

The complete story behind WaMu's award-winning project, along with details on runner-up the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, are featured in the special edition Signature Series Power Issue and on Network World Fusion (www.nwfusion.com/power/2003). Also online is a look at seven honorable mention winners.

Other highlights from the Power Issue include results from the annual Powerometer reader survey; a discussion with four influential women in the network industry about the people who inspired them; and a month-by-month look at three of the most controversial issues shaping the network industry. The Power Issue is one of six Signature Series issues published bimonthly by Network World. This award-winning, high-profile series provides a comprehensive exploration of the most important issues facing Network IT Executives today.