Registrations for Australia’s leading technology awards program, the 2009 iAwards, opens to businesses and students across the country today through the official website site at www.iawards.com.au

The iAwards provide the chance for businesses of any size in every state and territory to gain recognition for their achievements and develop a significant local, national and international profile. Previous winners of the iAwards include MYOB, CrimTrac and RedBalloon.

“The AIIA iAwards are an important showcase of the innovation and inventiveness within the Australian ICT sector,” said Ms Tracey Fellows, Managing Director, Microsoft Australia.

“Moreover, against the backdrop of the current economic climate in which organisations want to get more out of their existing resources, the iAwards demonstrate how IT can play a leading role helping Australian businesses be more productive and compete more effectively.”

“We’re particularly proud to be the official 2009 sponsor of the iAwards BizSpark Start-up category, designed to highlight the next generation of Australian technology start-ups,” Ms Fellows concluded.

The 2009 iAwards will recognise finalists and winners across 16 different categories – including security, government, education, media, healthcare and security. For the first time this year, the iAwards will also include a sustainability category, awarding outstanding technology innovation dedicated to improving environmental outcomes.

Entry is encouraged not only from innovative ICT companies but also the businesses who have worked in partnership with them to deliver unique solutions to the Australian community.

Awards are made in each state and territory, with regional winners going on to compete for national honours in each category. National winners will be announced at the gala iAwards dinner at the Crown Casino in Melbourne on May 27. 

At the national awards, special awards will also be given for students, start-ups, exporters and community value along with the prestigious CSIRO Tony Benson Award for outstanding lifetime achievement in ICT.

National winners then go on to compete against entries from across the Asia Pacific region at the annual Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTAs). Australia is traditionally a strong competitor, and AIIA will be hosting this year’s APICTAs in Melbourne during December as part of the four day Digital Economy Summit.

“ICT innovation makes a critical contribution to the economy and will transform the way that Australia approaches many of the most pressing issues facing us as a nation,” said AIIA CEO Ian Birks. “We are proud to offer Australian ICT companies recognition for their achievements and a platform that will maximise their success into the future.”

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SPONSOR QUOTES

International Business Wales
“We look forward to continuing our association with the iAwards in 2009, which represents the seventh year of partnership between the AIIA and International Business Wales (IBW). IBW's Exporter of the Year Award recognises the company that best demonstrates the talent and innovation of Australia's thriving ICT industry on a global scale.”

Gareth Davies
Head of Australia & New Zealand, International Business Wales

Maat Solutions
“As an innovator ourselves, Maat Solutions recognises the decisive importance of innovation for Australian ICT companies in a global market.  The iAwards are a pinnacle of recognition for that innovation and a continuing source of inspiration for the industry.”

Ben Shepherd
Managing Director, Maat Solutions

TESTIMONIALS

"The 2008 AIIA iAwards have brought incredible exposure to our company in the national media and with all levels of government, including a visit by the Premier of Tasmania to personally congratulate us on our achievement! As winners of the AIIA Education and Training iAward and Inspiration Award, it has increased our credibility and recognition in the marketplace and as a result added significant value to our product."

Geoff Elwood, CEO, Etech Group
Winner of the 2008 Education and Training iAward and Inspiration Award

"Winning the AIIA’s General Applications category has lifted iCare’s profile with customers, partners and Government bodies. The award was also great recognition for the Australian aged care industry and the rapid progress made in embracing IT over the last four years, despite the challenge of coming off a very low IT skills base."

Christopher Gray, iCare Solutions
Winner of the 2008 General Application iAward