Who is the UK's IT hero of the year?

Entries for the prestigious CNET Networks UK Technology Awards 2008 - the most sought after accolades in the UK tech industry - are now open.

Last year's event was the most successful yet, with the best and brightest across both the supplier and user communities in the UK technology industry rewarded for their achievements.

The awards are brought to you by CNET Networks UK, silicon.com's publisher, and there are categories for companies and individuals who want to showcase their achievements and innovations over the past year.

On the user side the big awards are CIO of the Year - won last year by Tesco's Colin Cobain - and new awards for IT Team of the Year and IT Community Hero of the Year.

There are also awards for technology products and services, including security, mobile and storage

The best technology projects in the public sector, retail and leisure industry and financial services will also pick up a gong at the prestigious awards ceremony and gala dinner on 23 September 2008 in London.

Full details of the categories and entry criteria can be found on the awards website here.

The deadline for entering the awards is 30 May 2008 and there are details of how to enter and some handy hints and tips here to help you out.

Good luck - the shortlist will be decided by a comprehensive judging panel before the winners are announced at the end of September.