Q01.

What is the objective of ZDNet Asia's Top Tech Index?

Q02.

How often is the Top Tech Index updated?

Q03.

How many companies will be selected in ZDNet Asia's Top Tech Index?

Q04.

Looking at the judging criteria, it seems that the bigger the company, the higher its chances of making to the Top Tech 50 list.

Q05.

We meet all the prerequisites for the Top Tech 50. However, the company is required to provide information pertaining to financials which we cannot disclose according to our company's policy. If we do not submit the required financial information, will this automatically disqualify us from the evaluation?

Q06.

I am unable to provide information about my company's average revenue growth rate for four years because it was set up two years ago. Does this mean the company is not eligible for the Top Tech 50 award?

Q07.

If my company provides security software, does this mean we will be judged against the other security vendors in the Top Tech 50? Will companies be judged within their own business technology category?

Q08.

Is there a way for Asian startups and less-established companies to get recognition?

A01.

For most technology buyers, the purchasing decision hasn't become any easier, especially with the fast-consolidating tech sector. ZDNet Asia hopes that the Top Tech Index will help businesses make well-informed buying decisions by identifying a list of technology vendors that have performed financially well, have a proven track record, and are firmly committed to the Asian market. We've assembled an independent advisory panel to assist us in the evaluation.

A02.

The Top Tech 50 Index was first launched in 2005, and was last revised in 2006. It is now updated very two years.

A03.

ZDNet Asia's Top Tech Index comprises two main categories:

• Top Tech 50
The 50 companies with the highest overall scores based on six judging criteria will be identified in the Top Tech 50 list. Special recognition will also be given to the top 10 fastest-growing companies according to a single criterion: average percentage year-on-year revenue/net income growth over four years.

For the winners of 2006/2007, check out the special report on the ZDNet Asia Web site.

• Most Promising Asian TechnoVisionaries
This category was introduced to recognize the region's homegrown technopreneurs and tech players, regardless of their size. ZDNet Asia will identify Asian companies that exhibit the most potential and strong commitment to innovate and keep ahead of the competition. Two special awards will also be handed out to:

• IT Leader of the Year
• R&D Champion of the Year

A04.

The main intent of ZDNet Asia's Top Tech 50 is to recognize the industry's movers and shakers, and identify market players that have long staying power so IT buyers can be assured their purchasing decisions will be well-supported years down the road. The tech firms must, therefore, demonstrate an ability to generate revenue and sustain profitability, as buyers will want to buy from a company that is financially stable.
In addition to revenues and net income, the average revenue/net income growth rate over four years is also an important judging criteria. Therefore, it does not necessarily mean that the companies with more revenues will definitely fare better than those with less.
More importantly, to cater to Asian tech buyers, the Top Tech 50 companies must show commitment to their business in the region and the extent of their presence in Asia will be a key judging criteria.

A05.

The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Financial information, such as global revenues and global net income, is an important component of the judging parameters. This will also ensure transparency in the selection process.

A06.

The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Average revenue/net income growth rates for four years are two judging parameters. This will also ensure transparency in the selection process.

A07.

Companies will not be judged within a specific category. We've included tech categories as a field in the nomination form so as to provide a better way for businesses to:

1. identify the tech segments that will be considered in ZDNet Asia's Top Tech Index
2. identify the nominees/winners.

A08.

The Most Promising Asian TechnoVisionaries is targeted at startups and homegrown Asian tech companies that may not yet have the capacity to compete with their global peers, but show great potential to become significant tech players internationally. This award provides a platform to recognize these companies' potential--regardless of their size.
Download the nomination form here and submit it by October 13, 2008.