The Ninth Annual Media Influencers Report compiled by Technology Marketing Magazine and released in September 2003, names NPD Techworld's Stephen Baker one of today's most influential technology industry analysts. Stephen ranked fifth on the publication's top ten list for 2003, up one spot from his sixth-ranked position in 2002.

Criteria used to determine analysts' rankings include quantifiable measures that indicate nominees' influence over technology media audiences and the industry itself. After receiving individual nominations, Technology Marketing Magazine, part of the publishing family that includes Brandweek and Adweek, conducted its own research to determine which analysts had received the most visible and substantive coverage in the past year, and which have the greatest influence within the industry.

The 2003 Media Influencers Report lists the industry's ten most influential analysts, rather than the top 20 as it has in the past, making this year's ranking process even more competitive. "It is rewarding to be recognized by an independent source that understands the public relations, marketing and technology worlds. I am pleased to be listed among peers whose observations and industry perspectives I respect," Stephen said.

Stephen Baker's information technology (IT) industry commentary appears regularly in NPD Insights and in the Viewpoint feature of the NPD Techworld Web site, www.npdtechworld.com. He is NPD's primary IT analyst and served as an analyst for PC Data and International Data Corporation (IDC) earlier in his career. Stephen began his career at Staples in 1986, helping to launch the first office superstore in the U.S.

Since he joined The NPD Group, Stephen has been extensively quoted in trade publications such as Computer Retail Week, TWICE and eWEEK, as well as business and news publications including Investors Business Daily, Business Week, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. He has presented and served on panels at several industry events and has appeared on CNBC, Fox News and CNNfn. He holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a BSFS from Georgetown University.

For Stephen Baker's latest Viewpoint commentary, visit www.npdtechworld.com and click on the Viewpoint column.