Computerworld 's Premier 100 IT Leaders list honors individuals who have had a positive impact on their organizations through technology. These are men and women who manage internal IT organizations, mentor and motivate with interesting challenges and positive work environments, envision innovative solutions to business challenges, and effectively manage and execute IT strategies.Nominations for the 2006 list were collected in April and May 2005. They received 466 nominations. Than the Editors invited the nominees to complete a comprehensive management/leadership survey questionnaire online during June and July 2005. The candidates were asked about a range of topics, including their backgrounds, work experiences, special accomplishments, leadership styles, project management skills, mentoring activities, technology priorities and strategies, and other details about the IT environments they have fostered at their companies.More than 278 complete, qualified surveys were completed.

Nominated individuals were asked to provide three references each: a direct manager, a direct report and a professional reference. Computerworld 's editors contacted references for each finalist, and those responses were incorporated into the evaluation process. In the list an IT leader is defined as someone who guides the effective use of information technology to improve his company's business performance. Other characteristics of IT leaders include the following:

• Promotes an IT vision that supports the company strategy.
• Identifies strategic opportunities provided by IT.
• Thinks beyond short-term tactical needs to long-term strategic goals.
• Understands business needs and profit/loss responsibilities beyond the IT department.
• Ties technology and innovation to specific business needs and goals.
• Uses technology to gain an advantage over the company's competition.
• Takes calculated risks but has contingency plans in place.
• Learns from failure and uses these experiences to improve IT processes and products.
• Hires inquisitive people who like to explore and are innovative.
• Creates work environments that are positive and rewarding to employees both inside and outside of work.
• Encourages staffers to be innovative and come up with ideas.
• Motivates with recognition and opportunity, not just money.
• Compares best practices with peer companies.
• Leverages technology vendors as partners.
• Develops leadership skills inside the IT organization.
• Viewed as a leader by other executives and by the IT staff.

Here is the list of companies.

Prashanth RaiTag(s):IT, Leaders.