Computerworld names SAS to annual list of Best Places to Work in Information Technology

Renowned employer of choice offers challenging work, and a life outside it

CARY, N.C.  (June 29, 2005)  –  IDG’s Computerworld magazine, the “Voice of IT Management,” has selected SAS as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals. This honor is part of the weekly IT publication’s 12th annual Best Places to Work in IT survey, which was published in the June 27 issue and online at Computerworld.com.

Since 1994, Computerworld’s annual Best Places to Work in IT feature has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals, based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, this year Computerworld surveyed 20,435 IT workers for the list, and their responses factored heavily in determining the rankings. According to Suzanne Gordon, vice president and CIO of SAS, the corporate culture at SAS is the main reason for the company’s 24th-place ranking.

“I am very excited about being named to the Computerworld list, but not surprised,” said Gordon. “Because of the benefits, and particularly the culture of trust and respect that SAS has for its employees, we have been able to attract and keep excellent employees in IT. The IT folks here make the extraordinary look ordinary, and I feel it is an honor to lead them.”

Gordon, a 2003 Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leader, heads an organization of more than 300 workers who serve more than 5,000 SAS employees in nearly 200 locations in the United States. In addition, she and her staff collaborate with SAS’ international IT staff to set direction and technology strategy. She gives particular credit to the increase in collaboration across the company.

“IT has become even more of a strategic player at SAS with the help of the IT Governance Council, a joint effort across divisional boundaries that is instrumental in helping the IT organization align its priorities with business initiatives. In addition, it’s been rewarding to see ever-increasing collaborative work with our excellent IT employees in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.”

SAS has received numerous accolades for its unique work environment. Throughout its 29-year history, SAS has reinvested at least 25 percent of its revenues back into research and development, allowing its employees to work on the cutting edge of technology. At the same time, ongoing programs like on-site childcare and healthcare, a fully equipped fitness center, wellness programs, robust benefit packages, convenient benefits and flexible work schedules facilitate a better work/life balance for employees.

“This year’s Best Places to Work rankings represent companies across the industry that recognize how a strong commitment to and investment in employees is synonymous with creating a great IT work environment,” said Don Tennant, editor-in-chief of Computerworld. “Once again, we found that IT professionals are looking for rewarding and challenging projects, access to leading-edge technologies, career growth and development and a comfortable work/life balance. Our Best Places companies not only offer these benefits, but do so in a manner that goes well-above industry norms.”

Other companies on the Computerworld list include Aflac, Ernst & Young, Ford Motor Company, General Mills, MasterCard International, Staples Inc., UPS and Verizon Wireless. To view the complete list of the Best Places to Work in IT please visit, http://www.computerworld.com/careertopics/careers/story/0,10801,102737,00.html.

About Computerworld

Computerworld , the “Voice of IT Management,” is the most trusted source for the critical information needs of senior IT management. Computerworld’s integrated offerings form the U.S.-based hub of the world’s largest (58-edition) global IT media network through its weekly publication, Computerworld.com Web site, focused conference series and custom research. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 print and online awards for editorial and design excellence, surpassing its direct competition by an order of magnitude. Recognition includes the 2004 Magazine of the Year Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors and a Jesse H. Neal Award for “Best News Coverage.” In print since 1967, Computerworld is the source for information technology management, with a guaranteed rate base of 180,050, a total print audience of 1,138,000 (IntelliQuest CIMS 2004 Business Influencer Study) and an online audience of over 1.1 million unique monthly visitors (DoubleClick).

Computerworld is a business unit of International Data Group (IDG), the world’s leading technology media, research and events company. A privately held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers, including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites, with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide, including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo®, Macworld Conference & Expo®, DEMO® and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries.

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