Communications - January 2009

DOI: 10.1145/1435417.1435425 Stuart I. Feldman

at a time when
it industries,
global
economies,
and research
funding operate
in fits and starts,
it is clear that
computing
professionals
find enduring
value in what it
means to be an
acm member.

acm’s annual Report

I’m a long-time member ( 40 years!) of ACM. As such, I’ve come to expect great things from this organization, having witnessed over these many years how expertly the

Association’s leadership, volunteers, and staff have worked to advance and inspire the discipline of computer science through its array of publications, conferences, educational initiatives, and professional development services. The ACM offerings have grown with the scope and importance of the computing field. But I would be hard-pressed to recall in my four decades a time as eventful and exceptional in these causes (and more) as recorded by ACM in FY08.

In a 12-month period, the Association saw both professional and student memberships reach an all-time high; a completely revitalized flagship magazine launch to rave reviews; our international initiatives result in a new ACM China office and a multiyear plan for raising the Association’s visibility in India; and ACM’s Digital Library provide offerings that have never been more plentiful nor its features more user-friendly.

The report that follows will detail these accomplishments, as well as many others, that have occurred in an extraordinary short timeframe. Perhaps the best indicator of the success of these efforts is reflected in the membership statistics. By the end of the fiscal year, ACM membership stood at a record 89,000. Indeed, professional memberships saw the largest year-over-year net increase in over 20 years. Moreover, student membership reached a milestone at 22,500. At a time when IT industries, global economies, and research funding operate in fits and starts, it is clear that computing professionals (present and future) find enduring value in what

it means to be an ACM member.

Moreover, major corporations continue to support ACM’s keen ability in recognizing technical excellence by sponsoring or greatly increasing the cash value of a number of the Association’s prestigious awards. Of particular note this year was the first-ever ACM-Infosys Foundation Award in Computing Sciences, recognizing contributions by young scientists and system developers to a contemporary innovation.

As there are achievements to laud, there are as many challenges to be met. ACM must continue its global outreach, fostering critical international relationships and bringing ACM products and services to new and different computing audiences. And as a growing number of students question the future of a computing career, ACM remains committed to understanding and addressing the deep issues related to the image of computing and the health of the discipline and profession. ACM is partnering with several organizations, building task forces, and creating initiatives to raise awareness and promote the possibilities offered by the field.

As we look to the future, our opportunities have never been greater and, with the ongoing support of our dedicated volunteers, members, and industry partnerships, we will realize them. As this year has taught us, ACM is capable of surprising even those of us who thought we had seen it all.