A Bermuda information technology company has scooped a top American award for designing a website for a new local charity.

Paragon Bermuda Ltd. created the Centre on Philanthropy's web site, www.charity.bm. and won the finalist award, for Best Philanthropic Solution at a Lotus Beacon Awards ceremony in the United States.

Several hundred nominations from 23 countries were submitted for awards in 11 categories in the IBM's subsidiary's awards.

"We are extremely pleased with this achievement,'' said Graham Pearson, the director and president of Paragon.

"We have always believed that Paragon, and Bermuda's IT industry, are front-runners of technology adaptation and service excellence. This award helps prove that point to the world.'' He added: "The fact that we received this recognition for our development of a solution that benefits Bermuda, makes the award even more meaningful.

"Our successful partnership with the Centre on Philanthropy shows that there can be a marriage of technology, business and the community to everybody's benefit.'' The Centre on Philanthropy web site, located at www.charity.bm, was launched in February 2000.

The site provides visitors with access to Bermuda's more than 400 registered charities and they can donate to the charity of their choice, apply to volunteer jobs, or simply research and browse.

Information on the site is maintained by the charities themselves, and the site is intended to provide a vital link between Bermuda's charities and the community.

Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Their messaging and database product, Lotus Notes, enjoys one of the world's largest install bases, with 78 million seats sold through December 2000, up from 58 million a year ago. The Lotus Beacon Awards recognise Lotus Business Partners who have excelled at providing quality products, innovative solutions and superior services to customers.

Founded in 1991, The Centre on Philanthropy is committed to its role as a leader, advocate, mentor and resource for Bermuda's charities and volunteers.

Paragon, based on Reid Street, provides e-business development, consulting, and security services. They have been a Lotus Business Partner since 1996, and the only Lotus Premier Business Partner in the Caribbean and North Atlantic since 1998.

BUSINESS BUC