Steelcase Named Among Top Technology Innovators Across America by InformationWeek

IT and Product Teams from Steelcase Join Forces to Bring High-Definition Video Conferencing to Employees and to Market

Recognizing the rise of technological advances, including HD video conferencing, and the demands of constant connectivity in today’s workplace, Steelcase has made significant changes to its internal work structure and the office environments it manufactures. Because of this, the company has been included in this year’s InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. The 2011 list was revealed at a gala awards ceremony at the InformationWeek 500 Conference held in America.

“Our company is set apart from most because of our research abilities,” said Robert Krestakos, CIO, Steelcase Inc. “It is our job as a company to understand the way people work, and the implication new devices and new technologies will have on organizations, and on work in general. We’re able to take those rich insights and apply them to our IT, and product development, efforts.”

Based on its research, Steelcase saw an opportunity to invest time and resources toward the development of media:scape, a hybrid of innovative furniture design and workplace technology that provides seamless collaboration via videoconferencing. The company’s IT team conducted extensive research into high definition video conferencing (HDVC) systems, which became the impetus for much of this product line that is now benefiting Steelcase employees and customers around the world.

“For 23 years, the InformationWeek 500 has chronicled and honored the most innovative users of business technology,” said InformationWeek Editor In Chief Rob Preston. “In this day and age, however, being innovative isn’t enough. Companies and their IT organizations need to innovate faster than ever before to stay a step or two ahead of their customers, partners, and competitors. This year’s ranking placed special emphasis on those high-octane business technology innovators.”

InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual 500 listing and also tracks the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices of America’s best-known companies. Top winners have included: The Vanguard Group, CME Group, Conway, National Semiconductor, Kimberly-Clark, Hilton Hotels and Unum. The InformationWeek 500 rankings are unique among corporate rankings as it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders.