The Indiana University School of Informatics has awarded Dr. Donald E. Brown, CEO of Interactive Intelligence with the Career Achievement Award.
According to Bobby Schnabel, dean of the Indiana University School of Informatics, the Career Achievement Award, is offered to an alumnus in recognition of outstanding contributions and innovation that bring national acclaim and recognition to the field of informatics, as well as honor and distinction to the university.
"The leading role that Don has played in the information technology economy in Indiana makes him a compelling choice for our career achievement award," Schnabel said. "Don's efforts in business and entrepreneurship are inspirational to our students and faculty, and we're honored to include him in our growing group of distinguished alumni."
Interactive Intelligence was founded by Dr. Brown in October 1994. He serves as its chairman of the board, president, and CEO.
With his vast experience and business acumen, Dr. Brown has helped Interactive Intelligence become one of the 200 largest software companies in the world. The company has turned out to be a pioneer in advanced communications technologies such as voice over IP, and has licensed its products to thousands of companies around the globe.
Dr. Brown, prior to Interactive Intelligence, co-founded Indianapolis-based Software Artistry, a developer of expert, systems-based help desk software, which later on was acquired by IBM in early 1998.
In 1985, he graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He also holds a master's degree in computer science and a bachelor's degree in physics from Indiana University.
"I don't feel completely worthy of such recognition -- I'm way too young for one thing -- but I'm honored nonetheless," Dr. Brown said. "I've been blessed to have been able to work with many incredible people and any success I've had reflects more on them than on me. I'll always appreciate the education that I received at Indiana University and am proud to be an alumnus. After three degrees, I think they were ready to get rid of me."
Each year, by soliciting nominations from school staff, faculty, and graduates, the Indiana University School of Informatics selects its Career Achievement Award recipient.
After reviewing each nomination, the awards committee selects its top finalists, who are then ranked based on a weighted scale.
"Don stood out from the rest of the finalists because he has not only built a successful technology company that is a leader in its field worldwide and in the state of Indiana, but also because his efforts have encouraged an entirely new generation of technology entrepreneurs and companies throughout central Indiana," Schnabel concluded.
In related news, Interactive Intelligencewill showcase the first-of-its-kind Customer Interaction Center, or 'CIC,' solution at the Middle East Call Centre 2010 Show which will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.