Awards Programs

Awards for Products and Services

• Clear Choice
  The Network World Lab Alliance, a 13-member coalition of industry experts, consultants and independent test labs, conducts single product tests and head-to-head comparative tests in true-to-life lab settings and on live networks. The Lab Alliance focuses on providing the Network World audience with a Clear Choice regarding which products are ready for use in enterprise networks. The highest scoring product in a comparative review is given the Clear Choice designation if it also achieves a score of 3.7 or higher out of a possible 5.0. In single product reviews, products scoring 4.5 or above are also given a Clear Choice designation. Contact Neal Weinberg, executive features editor, at nweinberg@nww.com
  
• Best of Tests [February]
  Year-long testing culminates with the Best of the Tests Awards which are bestowed upon products that score highest in the testing process — the best of the best. These products are profiled online in a special Best Products report. Contact Neal Weinberg, executive features editor, at nweinberg@nww.com.
  
• Category Breaker [February]
  This award honors a product or service that breaks market boundaries. Products are selected by Network World columnists and writers from those introduced during a twelve-month period prior to analysis. Part of the special online Best Products report. Contact Neal Weinberg, executive features editor, at nweinberg@nww.com
  
• Cool Tools [Conducted several times a year]
  Annual buyers’ guide testing begins in August with content produced in late November/early December. Network World’s formal testing program is augmented by in-house product reviews covered in the Cool Tools section of Network World. This weekly feature focuses on fun and useful technology gizmos and gadgets for the home office/small office and personal mobility. Contact Keith Shaw, senior reviews editor, at kshaw@nww.com.

To learn how to get a product tested in Network World, click here.

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So, You Won an Award or Industry Recognition, Now What?

First of all, congratulations! You are competing with the best-of-the-best — dozens of peers who also have accomplished a lot. You probably want to publicize your achievement in a press release and on your Web site and other collateral.

All of Network World’s awards have an award logo that you may use as a winner. Typically, the person submitting the information for an award or product test is contacted with a letter that describes the award, the rules of use and includes the logo. The latest logos may also be available, along with size and color specs, at networkworld.com/press/logos.html

If you plan to do a press release, we ask that you send it to us for approval prior to release. Our comments are focused on the accuracy of how the information is presented and we turn the request around quickly. You may also request a more specific quote directly from the editor involved. One of our requirements is for you to include something like "...for the full Network World article..." and the actual link to the online version of the article as well as the Network World boilerplate available at networkworld.com/press/logos.html#boiler. Contact the appropriate editor or syanovitch@idgenterprise.com if you have questions.

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