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The Swiss Office of Energy, a client of U.S.-based IT services firm Keane, Inc., was recognised as a Laureate and Finalist by IDG's 2010 Computerworld Honors Program on June 7 in Washington, D.C. For over two decades, Computerworld Honors has acknowledged those individuals and organisations that have used information technology to benefit society.

In response to an urgent need for improved energy efficiency in today's buildings, the Swiss Office of Energy collaborated with the Conference of the Energy Directors of the Cantons (EnDK) to introduce an Energy Certificate database aiming to catalogue buildings according to energy consumption. It serves as a criterion for consumers looking to purchase or rent property and offers tips on how to increase a building's energy efficiency based on its rating. To help compile the Government's database, Keane built a Web-based application that allows users to enter property data including construction type, windows, roofing and information regarding the building's technical equipment.

"Being a part of the 2010 Computerworld Honors Program is an honour for the Swiss Government and the EnDK as an acknowledgement of the important inroads that have been forged in making Switzerland more energy efficient," said Dr. Marc-Hermann Schaffner, Manager in charge of the Swiss Energy Certificate at EnDK and Ms. Nicole Zimmermann, Manager in charge of Energy-related programs at the Swiss Office of Energy. "We needed a technology that was not only highly efficient, but also agile and able to complement the needs of each diverse installation. The application framework Keane created is highly efficient and agile, allowing for a powerful engine that not only helps to improve the energy efficiency of the booming Swiss real estate market, but does so in a sustainable way."

Keane's system handled over 3,000 operations without error within hours of going online and is now used by more than 1,000 certified experts. To date, 15,000 official building certificates have been issued and counting. The project is helping make huge strides in improving Switzerland's carbon footprint and energy efficiency use. Given the success of this project, it shows countries across the globe how to make changes in the way they live everyday in relation to energy use.

"Lowering energy use in homes and buildings is a tough task. The important attributes of Keane's technology thread all the way through to impact the end user. The customers needed a tool that was highly customisable to individual needs, and Keane's standardised approach to configuration and calculation intelligence feature allows people at a variety of levels and expertise to interface directly with the tool and obtain energy certificates," said John McCain, President and CEO of Keane.

"The project creates transparency within the real estate market, offering those looking to purchase a chance to see potential energy savings and building owners the ability to save money on building utility costs," said Mr. Ansgar Gmur, Managing Director of the Swiss Association of Real Estate Owners (HEV).

The Computerworld Honors Program unites Chairmen and CEOs of the world's foremost information technology companies to recognise the most outstanding user achievements in technology each year. The technology achievements honoured by this programme are preserved and protected in national archives, and in over 350 universities, museums, and research institutions throughout the world.

Each year, members of the Chairmen's Committee, a group of 100 Chairman/CEOs of global technology companies, nominates individuals and organisations around the world whose visionary applications of information technology promote positive social and economic progress.

"Each Laureate selected for this honour understands the importance of using one's resources and technical prowess to benefit one's fellow man," said Bob Carrigan, Chairman of the Computerworld Honors Program Chairman's Committee and CEO of IDG Communications Worldwide.

Keane is an IT services firm headquartered in the US with more than 12,000 professionals worldwide. For 45 years, Keane has been an Application Services specialist with distinguished project management credentials. Today, we offer a flagship suite of Application Services, as well as Infrastructure and Business Processing Outsourcing solutions delivered through onsite, nearshore, and offshore resources.

Visit www.keane.com to learn how our projects, managed services, and outsourcing engagements deliver value for a range of businesses and government agencies.

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) employs approximately 155 staff who are responsible for the implementation of a coherent energy policy, the formulation and enforcement of necessary legislation and special programmes and the promotion of research and development in the areas of economical and efficient energy use. The SFOE is currently comprised of four divisions and two operational sections: the Technical Secretariat of the Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom) is attached to the SFOE on an administrative basis. Visit http://www.bfe.admin.ch/index.html?lang=en for more information.

The EnDK is the common energy competence centre of the Swiss Cantons. Visit http://www.endk.ch for more information.

The HEV is the Swiss association representing the interests of real estate owners. Visit http://www.hev-schweiz.ch for more information.

Computerworld is the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (www.computerworld.com), weekly publication, focused conference series and custom research, form the hub of the world's largest (40+ edition) global IT media network. In the past six years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 awards, including Folio Magazine's 2006 Gold EDDIE Award for the best technology/computing magazine, the 2004 and 2006 Magazine of the Year Award, and 2006 Best Overall Web Publication from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). In addition, in 2007 Computerworld's then editor in chief, Don Tennant, received the prestigious Timothy White Award from American Business Media. Computerworld leads the industry with an online audience of over 2 million unique, monthly visitors and a print audience of 1,222,000 readers each week (IntelliQuest CIMS Spring 2007).

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, events, and research company. IDG's online network includes more than 450 Web sites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment, and video games worldwide. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries including CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. IDG's lead-generation service, IDG Connect, matches technology companies with an audience of engaged, high quality IT professionals, influencers, and decision makers.

IDG is a leading producer of more than 750 technology-related events including Macworld Conference & Expo, LinuxWorld Conference & Expo, Entertainment for All Expo (E for All), DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events. Over 900 IDC analysts in more than 90 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at idg.com. Note: All product and company names are trademarks of their respective companies.