COLUMBUS, Ga.- Sept. 20, 2004 - AFLAC has been named to CMP Media LLC's InformationWeek 500, a prestigious listing of the most innovative users of information technology in the United States.
For 16 years, the InformationWeek 500 has tracked organizations' IT agendas, providing a unique opportunity to understand and examine their business practices across core areas of technology operations. Companies named to this list demonstrate a pattern of technological and organizational innovation. AFLAC is among the 500 companies recognized for IT innovation this year.
"Tech initiatives balance between opportunistic investment and cost effectiveness," said Rusty Weston, editor of InformationWeek Research. "On average, the InformationWeek 500 will invest approximately 3.7% of their annual revenue on technology in 2004 for an average cash layout of $334 million. Business-intelligence tools, content-management software, and increased use of automated processes are widespread strategies aimed at squeezing more costs out of IT operations."
The InformationWeek 500 is the most detailed source of industry-specific IT budget data. The research project gathered in-depth information directly from companies about how they approach and prioritize their IT investments. The research identified and ranked the companies following an extensive online and phone study.
About AFLAC
AFLAC Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is an international holding company. A Fortune 500 company, AFLAC insures more than 40 million people worldwide. It is a leading writer of insurance products marketed at the worksite in the United States, offering policies to employees at more than 309,000 payroll accounts. The company insures one out of four Japanese households and is the largest life insurer in Japan in terms of individual insurance policies in force. In January 2004, AFLAC was included in Fortune magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" for the sixth consecutive year. Also in January 2004, AFLAC was named to Forbes magazine's "Platinum 400 List of America's Best Big Companies" for the fifth consecutive year. In March 2004, Fortune magazine included AFLAC in its annual listing of "America's Most Admired Companies." AFLAC's Internet address is www.aflac.com.
About InformationWeek
InformationWeek helps more than 440,000 business technology professionals who buy, build and manage technology drive business innovation powered by technology. In addition to the weekly magazine, InformationWeek provides a platform of information solutions, including: www.informationweek.com; InformationWeek Research; InformationWeek Events, which includes the InformationWeek Conference for Business Technology Executives; and the InformationWeek Daily, an e-mail news service. In May 2003, in conjunction with Optimize, InformationWeek launched its Media Network. The Media Network consists of Optimize and Government Enterprise, as well as its Vertical Industry Network publications - Bank Systems & Technology, Insurance & Technology and Wall Street & Technology. InformationWeek is consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation, receiving several of the industry's top media accolades, including top spots in BtoB magazine's annual Media Power 50, as well as awards from ASBPE and Circulation Management magazine.
About CMP Media LLC
CMP Media LLC (www.cmp.com) is a leading integrated media company providing essential information and marketing services to the entire technology spectrum - the builders, sellers and users of technology worldwide. Capitalizing on its editorial strength, CMP is uniquely positioned to offer marketers comprehensive, integrated media solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Its diverse products and services include newspapers, magazines, Internet products and research, direct marketing services, education and training, trade shows and conferences, and custom publishing.
Contact:
Dave Watson
AFLAC
(706) 243-5420
dwatson@aflac.com