Information Builders Customer CMAP Named a Technology Leader in the 2011 Ventana Leadership Awards

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Dec 19, 2011) - Information Builders, an independent leader in business intelligence (BI) solutions, today announced that Ventana Research, a leading benchmark research and advisory services firm, recognized the company and its customer, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), in the 2011 Ventana Research Leadership Awards. CMAP, a regional planning organization for seven counties and 284 communities in northeastern Illinois, used Information Builders' WebFOCUS BI platform to develop MetroPulse, an online portal enabling government agencies and other entities to research and share information about numerous factors impacting residents' quality of life.

Users can tap MetroPulse to access information on a variety of categories, including crime, economic development, transportation, housing, and safety. Data can also be further drilled for deeper analysis of each category. Drawing on this dashboard, CMAP has effectively measured the progress of its innovative GO TO 2040 campaign, ensuring that the program stays on track and delivers value to the region. The GO TO 2040 campaign is an ambitious undertaking designed to shape the region's transportation system and development patterns, while also addressing economics, housing, education, public services, the environment, and other factors that impact the area's quality of life.

"True business leadership is defined by a dedication to help your customers not only improve their businesses, but also give back to their greater community," said Mark Smith, CEO and chief research officer, Ventana Research. "With this award, we're congratulating Information Builders on its role in helping CMAP make its GO TO 2040 campaign a success and improve the living and working situation for the Chicago area residents."

"CMAP's initiatives are highly dependent on data, and we're thrilled to have provided the BI technology needed to help the organization reach its goal of improving the prosperity and livability of the greater community," said Gerald Cohen, president and CEO of Information Builders. "Ventana Research's recognition of this project in the 2011 Leadership Awards is a testament to the value we've delivered to CMAP, as well as our continued dedication to enhancing and improving our BI offering to help all of our clients achieve business success."

"The flexibility demonstrated by Information Builders' WebFOCUS platform was an integral component of what made the development of MetroPulse a success," said Greg Sanders, information architect, CMAP. "The company's platform has helped us make a measurable difference in the quality of life of many Chicago area residents. It's an honor to have this effort recognized by Ventana Research, and we look forward to our continued work with Information Builders and the Chicago community moving forward."

For more information on Ventana Research 2011 Vendor Leadership Awards, please visit ventanaresearch.com/awards/.

About Ventana Research
Ventana Research is the leading benchmark research and advisory services firm. It provides expert guidance to help organizations manage and optimize performance -- to become not only more efficient, but also more effective. Its unparalleled insights and best practices guidance are based on our rigorous research-based benchmarking indexes of people, processes, information, and technology across business and IT functions worldwide. The combination of benchmark research, rigorous market coverage, and in-depth knowledge of hundreds of technology providers means it can deliver business and technology education and expertise to clients where and when needed. The Ventana Research Indexes -- the Value Index and the Benchmark Index family -- have redefined the research industry by providing accessible, easy-to-use, research-based business and technology guidance to businesses. Ventana Research provides the most comprehensive analyst coverage in the industry; more than 2.5 million business and IT professionals through a community of 85,000 professionals and network of media and association partners around the world benefit from Ventana Research's insights. Ventana Research focuses on business and technology trends and best practices that maximize organizations' potential to perform while reducing the time, cost, and risk and still achieve optimal outcomes. To learn how Ventana Research advances the maturity of organizations use of information and technology through benchmark research, market indexes, education, and advisory services, and also where to find us on Facebook or LinkedIn or how to follow us on Twitter or BusinessWeek's BusinessExchange, visit ventanaresearch.com.

About Information Builders
Information Builders provides software and services that bring smarter decision-making and streamlined processes to leading organizations in business, government, and education worldwide. The company's software is installed in tens of thousands of locations, servicing millions of users. Its WebFOCUS business intelligence (BI) platform delivers massively scalable information applications, analytics, and customer-facing portals to the new generation of information users to deliver game-changing business results. Its iWay Software integration platform allows enterprises to leverage all of their information resources to streamline internal and business-to-business processes while escalating the overall accessibility and integrity of information regardless of environmental complexity. Headquartered in New York City with 60 offices worldwide, the company employs 1,350 people and has established significant industry partnerships. Visit Information Builders at informationbuilders.com. For ongoing news, go to informationbuilders.com/new or follow Information Builders at @infobldrs.