WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Oct. 31 -- InformationWeek Magazine has selected Ricoh Corporation to its InformationWeek 500, a prestigious listing of the most innovative users of information technology in the United States, for the second year in a row. Ricoh is ranked number 179 on the list, which is a testament to Ricoh's IT executives employing the latest IT strategies, improving processes and building first-rate innovative teams that are leading the way in the development of new technologies. For 18 years, the InformationWeek 500 has tracked organizations' IT agendas, providing a unique opportunity to understand and examine their business practices across core areas of technology operations. Companies named to this list demonstrate a pattern of technological and organizational innovation. Unique among corporate rankings, the InformationWeek 500 spotlights innovation in business technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest spenders. "The InformationWeek 500 is a comprehensive view of the nation's most innovative companies and the business-technology strategies that they utilize," said InformationWeek publishing director, Fritz Nelson. "The companies on our list should be commended for their dedication to the development of best practices in technology as well as to making strategic IT investments to establish improved business processes." To be ranked on this year's list, candidates were asked to complete an application that examined key IT strategies using a quantitative analysis of technology initiatives and priorities and a qualitative assessment using essay responses. Participants were asked to complete two essays, one on overall technology innovation and the other on one of six technology categories. The responses to all parts of the survey were evaluated, weighted, and combined into a total score, which is the basis for the ranking. The selection criteria are determined by the magazine's editors. "It is an honor to be selected to the InformationWeek 500 list for the second year in a row," said Sean Magee, senior vice president of Information Technology for Ricoh Corporation. "On an external basis, we are devoted to the research and development of the latest innovative technologies for our customers, and internally we are constantly improving our technology processes, and increasing efficiencies that align more closely with our business goals and embrace innovation."