Hewitt supports 'Digital Britain'

The government has added its support to the Digital Britain Awards, which will recognise the achievements of UK companies embracing the opportunities of the ecommerce revolution.

Ecommerce minister Patricia Hewitt and Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer will be guests of honour at the awards this June. Computing has teamed up with Microsoft and other businesses to create the awards.

"We have the technology, the skills and the commitment. The real hard work is down to business people around the country. That is why initiatives such as Digital Britain should be applauded and I add my voice in support," said Hewitt.

"We are delighted the government continues to drive the UK forward, encouraging innovation and investment in technology," added Neil Holloway, managing director of Microsoft UK.

The awards fall into three categories: knowledge management business; knowledge management technology; and ecommerce. The knowledge management awards will focus on the best IT solutions to deliver improved business insight, enhanced corporate communication, integration of front- and back-office legacy systems, and improved capture, management and publishing of organisational content.

The ecommerce awards will focus on uniqueness of the idea, ease of use, effectiveness, end-to-end integration, corporate purchasing efficiencies and customer/supplier collaboration.

Microsoft will make two awards for best knowledge management and best ecommerce solution built on a Microsoft platform.

For details on how to enter check the Digital Britain website at microsoft.com/uk/digitalbritain/awards. Deadline for submitting entries is 28 April. Awards will be presented at a gala dinner on 8 June in London.