Turning the Pages 2.0T wins a top award for excellence and innovation
12 December 2007
The partnership between the British Library, Microsoft and Armadillo Systems wins the 'Best Web-based Technology Project' award.
Turning the Pages 2.0, which allows users to explore high-quality digital replicas of some of the greatest landmarks of world culture and science, was praised for its world-leading delivery of rich internet applications. Speaking at the glittering gala dinner, David Clarke, BCS Chief Executive, added: "The winners exemplify the importance and value that technology brings to business, society and the economy."
A partnership between Microsoft, software developers Armadillo Systems and the British Library, Turning the Pages 2.0 has demonstrated that great technology combined with world-class content results in outstanding, accessible and innovative on-line user experience.
Clive Izard, the British Library's Head of Creative Services, said: "The British Library is delighted to win this award. Turning the Pages 2.0 allows Internet users to view, read and browse some of the world's most treasured books. It is a truly ground-breaking tool that opens up the British Library's unique collections to a global audience."
Managing Director of Armadillo Systems and developer of the Turning the Pages software Michael Stocking said: "Turning the Pages 2.0 has always been leading the way in terms of what can be achieved on the web. With Turning the Pages 2.0 we knew we were breaking new ground, so it was great to have the BCS endorse that view."
Geoff Hughes, Director of Business Development at Microsoft, added: "In January Bill Gates, Microsoft's founder and chairman, launched Windows Vista at the British Library with the Turning the Pages 2.0 digital reunification of the Leonardo da Vinci Arundel and Leicester Codices. Recognition from the BCS for Best Web-based Technology Project for 2007 is a fantastic accolade and a testament to world-class content, teamwork and technology."
Since its launch in 2004, Turning the Pages has grown to become one of the most popular resources at the British Library, allowing the Library to bring iconic treasures such as the Lindisfarne Gospels, Leonardo da Vinci's Notebooks and Mercator's Atlas of Europe online for everyone to see.
For further information please contact: Lawrence Christensen (telephone +44 020 7412 7114, email: lawrence.christensen@bl.uk) or Suvi Kankainen (telephone +44 020 7412 7105, email: suvi.kankainen@bl.uk).
Notes to Editors
The British Library: The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library's collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes: books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages. Further information is available on the Library's website at www.bl.uk.
For the past decade the British Library has created Turning the Pages versions of its greatest treasures, from Mozart's musical diary to Lewis Carroll's manuscript of Alice's Adventures. Turning the Pages 2.0, which has been developed with Microsoft to demonstrate their new Windows Vista operating system, enables an even richer user experience and speeds up the process of creating a virtual text. See www.turningthepages.com
Microsoft: Microsoft was founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Armadillo Systems: Armadillo Systems was founded in 1993 and specialises in producing innovative solutions for cultural institutions to allow access to and interpretation of their collections. Armadillo work around the world and clients include the National Archives, the Royal Society, the National Library of Ireland and the Wellcome Library.
The British Computer Society IT Industry Awards: The BCS IT Industry Awards are a central element of the BCS professionalism programme and have very quickly established themselves as the leading hallmark of success amongst practitioners in the IT industry today. As standards of sophistication, business acumen and skill in the IT world are continually developing, the role of IT and its effective management is critical across the whole spectrum of business. The cross-industry awards recognizes, promotes and acclaims excellence, professionalism, innovation and the outstanding achievements to which individuals and groups contribute. Full details of award winners and medallists can be found at: www.bcs.org/winners07