The year 2008 might as well be labeled as the Living on the Edge year. The Economic Crisis, credit crunch and the final blow from the Banking and finance industry left the world choking. After a decade of robust growth big spending and flamboyant corporate moves, came the year that sent shockwaves through the global financial and economic system.

For many CEOs around the world, the costs of running their companies has now become the single most important item on their agendas. And in this Information Age, the power of IT to contain and cut costs is imminent. Companies that had wisely invested in seemingly expensive IT solutions are reaping the benefits of being able to monitor and arrest their losses to stay competitive.

Those that invested in Green IT are beginning to see that Green Business means Profitable Business. While companies that stayed ahead of the IT Curve are now enjoying their lead that has made it difficult for their competitors to catch up with.

Governments across the country have realized that IT is an effective tool in delivering development to their constituencies with prudent cost and optimal efficiency. Keeping in synch with the need of the hour, this years’ IT User award will be centered around three Themes: The New Frontiers of Technology - Lean IT, Green IT and Democratic IT.

‘IT User Awards’ pioneered by CNBC-TV18, undisputed leader in business and NASSCOM, the premier trade body and voice of the software and services industry in India, provides a platform that encourages the adoption of IT by organisations across the sectors.

Last year these definitive awards were presented to companies in various verticals including Retail and Logistics, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Auto, Manufacturing, Banking, Finance, Insurance, Travel and Tourism. The awards also highlighted the initiatives by PSUs in a special category. In addition to this Affirmative action of states on e-governance also took a centre stage during these definitive awards.

The primary objective of the awards is to support and motivate adoption of IT in Indian companies to create strategic advantage, optimize costs, develop synergies across businesses, communicate in real time, and enhance customer service standards.

This December in Mumbai ,A gathering of eminent industry leaders from across the India and across the world will recognize and honor their peers for the tremendous success of their organizations and also their immense contribution to business community and our society.