SEATTLE – June 20, 2011

Avanade, a global business technology services provider, today announced that it has been selected as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals by IDG’s Computerworld. Avanade was recognized for its benefits program and engaging professional environment, as well as the development and growth opportunities the company provides its global workforce.

 “Though we provide technology solutions, it’s the capability of our people that determines our success as an organization. We make it a priority to create a workplace environment where employees can acquire industry-leading skills,” said Chris Miller, chief information officer at Avanade. “We provide a wide range of learning and development programs and opportunities with the latest technology for Avanade’s IT team. This helps our professionals write the innovation stories that others will read.”

The Best Places to Work in IT survey has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals since 1994. This year’s 18th annual list was based on questionnaire results regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. Avanade was previously recognized by Computerworld’s Best Places to Work in IT survey in 2009.

Avanade offers a unique set of benefits for its IT professionals, including award-winning training and professional development programs, access to 100 online expert communities and Rapid Readiness boot camps to help technologists quickly get up to speed on the latest technologies. The commitment to career-long learning is also supported with a focus on offering at least 80 hours of paid skills development and training for employees each year. Avanade also works to foster a healthy work-life balance among its IT professionals. For example, the company provides a lump-sum fund to employees each year, which they can access for purchases supporting personal growth and activity; such as a gym membership, photography classes or the latest gadgets to stay ahead of the technology curve.

“Creating a workplace that encourages and trains IT personnel and all of our staff to become the best at what they do to help our customers succeed is at the top of our agenda,” said Joseph Mendel, executive vice president of human resources at Avanade. “This recognition from Computerworld reinforces our commitment to our customers to have the best trained professionals working together to help customers realize results.”

“To be among the Best Places to Work in IT, it’s not enough to seek out and hire the most talented IT professionals, offer them competitive pay and provide benefits,” said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. “Smart IT people realize that they need to get up to speed on their employer’s revenue opportunities. The organizations that made this year’s Best Places to Work list are creating a work environment that both trains and encourages IT personnel to pursue business-driven priorities.”

This recent award adds to Avanade’s growing list of global recognitions as a best place to work. This year the company was also acknowledged on the United Kingdom’s 50 Best Workplaces for 2011. Other recognitions include the CRF Top Employer award in Belgium, France, Italy and Spain as well as the Minneapolis Star Tribune Top Workplaces award, which recognized Avanade for its work environment and extended benefits program.

 The results of this year’s Best Places to Work in IT award are available online at www.computerworld.com