Sacramento CA, June 27, 2005 — VSP (Vision Service Plan) has once again been recognized as a premier employer, joining the nation's top companies as one of Computerworld's Best Places to Work in IT, according to newly released annual rankings.

Rated number thirty-one on the Best Places to Work list, VSP fosters high employee-satisfaction levels by stressing a good work-life balance and encouraging Information Technology staff to continue their learning process through unique internal programs, such as mentoring programs and book-club discussions. To keep staff engaged, VSP has created flexible job assignments that allows members of the IT team to shift focus and work on new or special projects.

"We are honored to once again be a part of the Best Places to Work list," said Steve Scott, VSP's Vice President of IT, and a VSP employee since 1996. "Computerworld's recognition is really a testament to the incredible IT team we have at VSP, and it inspires us to continue developing innovative ways to make our company a great place where people want to work. We have 240 professionals in our department, each one trusted with empowering our internal staff through the use of innovative technology and meeting the needs of our 41 million members and over 21 thousand doctors around the country. The IT professionals at VSP are valued for both their technical and their business expertise. They have been and will continue to be significant contributors to the success of the company."

In addition to its Computerworld placement, VSP has been recognized as one of the '100 Best Places to Work For' by FORTUNE magazine for the last six years.

Computerworld's ratings are compiled through extensive interviews with IT workers at all levels — from help desk technicians to CIOs. IDG's Computerworld survey found the keys to a 'Best Place' include using modern technologies that offer challenges, ensuring employees get the training they need to meet those challenges, bending to accommodate family and personal needs, and tying all of those together with pride in the work of not only in IT, but also in the business as a whole. According to the Computerworld rating, flexible work hours and telecommuting programs are also among the benefits prized by IT staff.

"This year's Best Places to Work rankings represent companies across the industry that recognize how a strong commitment to and investment in employees is synonymous with creating a great IT work environment," said Don Tennant, editor in chief of Computerworld. "Once again, we found that IT professionals are looking for rewarding and challenging projects, access to leading-edge technologies, career growth and development and a comfortable work/life balance. Our Best Places companies not only offer these benefits, but do so in a manner that goes well-above industry norms."

Computerworld's Best Places to Work list will be featured in the June 27, 2005 issue. More information can be found at www.computerworld.com/2005bestplaces.

About Computerworld
Computerworld, the "Voice of IT Management," is the most trusted source for the critical information needs of senior IT management. Computerworld's integrated offerings form the U.S.-based hub of the world's largest (58-edition) global IT media network through its weekly publication, Computerworld.com Web site, focused conference series and custom research. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 print and online awards for editorial and design excellence, surpassing its direct competition by an order of magnitude. Recognition includes the 2004 Magazine of the Year Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors and a Jesse H. Neal Award for "Best News Coverage." In print since 1967, Computerworld is the source for information technology management, with a guaranteed rate base of 180,050, a total print audience of 1,138,000 (IntelliQuest CIMS 2004 Business Influencer Study) and an online audience of over 1.1 million unique monthly visitors (DoubleClick).

About VSP
VSP provides eyecare benefit plans that range from comprehensive eye examinations and materials to complete medical and surgical eyecare. With more than 41 million members nationwide, one in eight people in the United States relies on VSP for eyecare health coverage. VSP's Sight for Students program has helped more than 250,000 low-income/uninsured children receive free eyecare services since its inception in 1997. VSP, a company with over $2 billion in annual gross revenue, has been recognized by Fortune Magazine for the sixth consecutive year as one of best places to work in America. For more information, visit us online at www.vsp.com.

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