WIT's Best Employers in Georgia Awards Finalists
Show Double-Digit Increases in Women in Executive Positions

Companies added an average of 42.5% of the women in their current executive ranks
over the past three years

November 02, 2005 - ATLANTA, GA - Women in Technology (WIT), the leading association committed to the development of Georgia's businesswomen in the technology industry and a society of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), today announced that among its 2005 WIT's Best Employers in Georgia awards finalists, companies show double-digit growth in the numbers of women in the executive ranks and in the percentage of women hired over the last three years into executive positions.  These finalists represent companies with revenues ranging from $100 million to more than $1billion.

Number of women currently in executive roles, when data was provided:

• Overall: 36%
• Enterprise Level (Revenues of $1 billion and up): 33%
• Mid-Sized: (Revenues of $100 million-$1 billion): 39%

Percentage of these women hired in the last three years, when data was provided:

• Overall: 42.5%
• Enterprise Level: 37%
• Mid-Sized: 48%

Across the board, efforts to attract and retain these employees have helped shape the professional development programs and benefits companies offer both the female and male employees.  Typical examples include mentoring programs, flexible or part-time hours and intensive leadership development programs.

"Companies applying for the WIT's Best Employers in Georgia Award do so because they are proud of their progressive programs or diverse executive workforces," said Sarah Bajc, President, WIT.  "There is definitely a trend of companies actively opening the doors of the executive suite to more women.  We are pleased to recognize some of these local innovators and hope these companies inspire others to initiate leadership development and professional growth opportunities within their own organizations."

The WIT's Best Employers in Georgia Awards 2005 will be held Friday, November 4th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead.  Microsoft is the 2005 Platinum sponsor.  Other sponsors include Home Depot, Gold sponsor; Silver sponsors, Lanier Worldwide, Avaya, Southern Company and Intellinet; Bronze sponsors ICS; Patron sponsor What's Up Interactive; and Media sponsor, TechLINKS.  Individual tickets are $50 for TAG members and $75 for non-members.  Tables are also available.  Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.witinc.org.

About Women in Technology (WIT)
Women in Technology (WIT) is the leading (all volunteer, not-for-profit) association devoted to the development of Georgia's businesswomen in the technology industry.  WIT accelerates the growth path of women through initiatives that promote visibility and opportunities for their individual goals and success in the industry.  WIT is a founding society of the Technology Association of Georgia, an umbrella membership organization that serves more than 5,000 members of the Georgia technology community.  WIT hosts bimonthly meetings with nationally recognized speakers who address business issues of particular interest to women, although men are always invited to attend.  WIT also sponsors a number of initiatives like WIT Mentor, Executive Roundtables, Woman Launch, Executive Coaching and WIT's Executive Speakers Bureau.  WIT presents premier annual events including The Woman of the Year in Technology Award, WIT's Best Employer Award and WIT Connect, which is WIT's annual fundraiser.  Through its philanthropic arm, the WIT Foundation, WIT organizes and funds programs like Girls-Get-IT and WIT on Track.  For more information on WIT, visit www.witinc.org.

About the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is a non-profit organization that serves the technology community in Georgia.  TAG is dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of the state's technology industry and provides leadership in driving initiatives in the areas of policy, capital, education and giving.  TAG helps to bring the technology community together through events, initiative programs and networking opportunities.  Founded in 1999 through the merger of the Business & Technology Alliance (B&TA), the Southeastern Software Association (SSA) and Women in Technology (WIT); TAG is one of the largest state technology associations in the nation.  TAG is made up of several thousand members representing technology leaders from over 1500 Georgia-based companies, affiliated technology and business organizations.  TAG recognizes the support and contributions of its Premier Patron; Kilpatrick Stockton and Patrons; Hunton & Williams, Computer Associates, Deloitte and Noro-Moseley Partners.  For more information on TAG, visit www.tagonline.org.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing.  The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

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Contact:
Denise Doyle
P.R. & Marketing Director, WIT
(770) 605-8331
denise.doyle@insightix.com