For the second consecutive year, IBM Global Public Sector recognized Esri as one of IBM's Public Sector Top Star business partners. Esri was one of only 17 partners to receive this honor during the 2008 IBM Business Partner Leadership Conference.

"IBM and Esri are committed to improving the health, education, security, and prosperity of citizens and nations around the world," said Pamela Kaplan, vice president of marketing, IBM Global Public Sector. "We are grateful to Esri for the work it is doing. Together, we are making a difference in people's lives by delivering innovative solutions to the world's greatest challenges."

IBM's Public Sector channel sales teams and industry executives selected from nominations of business partners in government, education, and health care/life sciences who consistently demonstrate "best of the best" qualities that help ensure a successful partnership with IBM, as well as success in the marketplace. Top Star partners have

• A unique, innovative solution
• Significant wins in 2007 that have been or can be replicated
• Demonstrated loyalty to IBM and strong adoption of IBM platforms and open architecture
• A commitment to partnership with IBM and significant involvement and help in closing strategic deals

A significant win that IBM and Esri shared in 2007 was the award of the Data Access and Dissemination II contract from the United States Census Bureau.

"We have worked with IBM for more than 20 years to bring innovative and cost-effective GIS solutions to the public sector," said Jennifer McCarthy, Esri's Global Marketing Alliance representative for IBM. "It's gratifying to work with a partner like IBM who recognizes the value of our geographic approach in helping government organizations meet the challenges of serving the public in the most effective ways. We are very pleased to be recognized as one of IBM's Top Stars for these efforts."

More Information

For more information on Esri and IBM solutions, visit www.esri.com/ibm.