Chicago, IL - February 3, 2004 - SHARE Inc., a leading, independent users group of IBM hardware, software, and services, is pleased to announce Nationwide Insurance as the winner of its 2004 Award for Excellence in Technology. Nationwide, a Columbus, Ohio based SHARE member, was nominated for its achievements in monitoring usage and costs in running DB2 transactions, and subsequent licensing arrangements with IBM.

Faced with rising support and licensing costs, the project team at Nationwide conducted a thorough analysis to determine the optimal data access method for running DB2 transactions. Realizing the higher costs involved when transactions crossed mainframe subsystems, Nationwide developed a set of standards, known as "Building Codes," for its development team. Nationwide also took the data from its analysis to determine and negotiate a more cost-efficient enterprise-level license for DB2 Connect from IBM. Ultimately, this effort has dramatically reduced mainframe CPU and licensing expenditures at Nationwide.

SHARE would like to recognize the Nationwide project team members who contributed to this impressive accomplishment, including: Yong Zhao, Linda Nisbet, Janet Howie, Ravi Ravindran, Joe Elliott, Randy Black, Robert Cook, Judye Kirkbride, Dan Sayre, and Dan Kelley. In accordance with the award, Nationwide receives two free registrations to the SHARE User-Driven Training Event & Expo in Long Beach, along with travel and accommodations for two team members, and two additional registrations to be used for a future SHARE training event. Joe Elliott and Robert Cook will be in attendance in Long Beach to receive the award on behalf of Nationwide in the SHARE general session on Monday, February 23.

To learn more about the evolution and steps involved with this award-winning project, be sure to attend the next SHARE conference in Long Beach. Nationwide will present "Maximizing DB2 Monitoring and Licensing: Nationwide's Award-Winning Process" on Wednesday, February 25, detailing the history and specific steps of this process.

About the SHARE Award for Excellence in Technology
The SHARE Award for Excellence in Technology was created to recognize outstanding achievement in information technology by a SHARE member. Nominations are reviewed by a volunteer panel comprised of practicing IT professionals. The judging panel for the 2004 Award included: Sylvia Gorman, Northern Illinois University; Karla Houser, Caterpillar Inc.; Jim Rawlings, Royal Bank of Canada; and Steve Ryder, JSR Systems. Nationwide joins the distinguished list of previous award winners, including Caterpillar (2003), Travelers (2002), and ISPW BenchMark Technologies, Ltd. (2001).

About Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world, with more than $117 billion in statutory assets. Nationwide consists of three core businesses: domestic property and casualty insurance, life insurance and retirement savings, and asset management. Nationwide is also engaged in strategic investments. Nationwide provides a full range of products and financial services that include auto, fire, life, health and commercial insurance; administrative services, annuities, mutual funds and retirement plans. These products are offered through multiple distribution channels. The company maintains strong relationships with premier mutual fund managers. More information is available at www.nationwide.com.

About SHARE
SHARE is an independent, volunteer-run association providing IBM customers with user-focused education, professional networking, and a forum to influence the information technology industry. Since 1955, SHARE has enabled IT professionals to achieve business results through a combination of credible, relevant programs and peer opportunities. SHARE currently counts more than 2,100 organizations among its active member ranks.