Rackspace says it introduced the FANATI award to recognize the customer service excellence of other companies in an effort to promote customer service among all businesses today.

In order to validate the nine finalists' applications, a customer satisfaction survey was sent to their customers. Based on both scores, Websketching proved their customer service excellence and came out on top due in large part to a near-perfect customer satisfaction score, says Rackspace.

"By limiting the geographical area we serve, we can take the time to personally meet with our clients at their place of business so that we can better determine the needs of their business," says Christine DeGraff, co-founder and partner of Websketching. "My clients trust that our goal is to help their business succeed, just like Rackspace. In just one year at Rackspace, I have seen Fanatical Support firsthand. It means that I do not have to wonder if my request has been received or when it will be done; but a peace of mind knowing that my request is always immediately acknowledged and that every request is treated as important and completed in as little time as possible. This is something I try to duplicate to my clients."

Last week, Rackspace added new enhancements to its customer portal, MyRackspace.