The joy of networking

American novelist Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel laureate for literature, once wrote, “The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”

Who could disagree? When you’ve poured your best into a network project, perhaps taken a chance on a newer technology or unusual implementation to improve business operations, you’re bound to enjoy in its success. We think it should be shared.

That’s why each year we honor readers who show excellence in their work with two awards – the Extended Enterprise Innovator Award and the User Excellence Award.

The Extended Enterprise Innovator Award recognizes organizations that have realized significant gains by creating IP-based electronic ecosystems that connect employees, customers and business partners. In 2003, we honored energy industry giant Halliburton for a sophisticated yet easy-to-use portal that delivers rich technical content, interactive tools, collaborative features and e-commerce functions for customers, suppliers and employees. The system provides such high value that few participants will leave it.

We now are accepting entries for the Extended Enterprise Innovator Award, which will be evaluated on technical sophistication, innovation and business impact. Winning projects will be profiled in our Extended Enterprise Signature Series edition Nov. 15.

The User Excellence Award, now in its 20th year, is an honor bestowed on an organization that demonstrates exceptional use of network technology to empower corporations. Last year’s winner, Washington Mutual, grabbed our attention by deploying a massive Multi-protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network that enabled the company’s rapid expansion nationwide. One day last August, for example, WaMu opened 32 bank branches in Chicago – the MPLS network, which connects 3,000 locations, never missed a beat. WaMu executives say the network reduced operational costs by 25% in the first year and expect to realize similar gains over the next three.

In judging User Excellence Award entries, we look for projects that use mainstream technologies creatively or that employ newer technologies to solve pressing business problems. We will showcase the winning projects in our Dec. 27 Power Issue, a Signature Series edition.

So add to the joy of a job well done by getting in the running for Network World’s Extended Enterprise and User Excellence Awards. Nomination forms will be available here, through Aug. 28.