Computerworld's Emerging Companies to Watch in 2002

We know IT managers have got to squeeze every cent of value from their tech investments. That's always been a top priority at many IT shops, but even more so now, in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and an honest-to-goodness recession. And that's what our Emerging Companies to Watch in 2002 are offering. They stay close to their corporate IT customers, deliver innovative tools and services and are agile enough to stay a step ahead in a tough economy and fast-paced sector. Our special section will introduce you to the top 100 up-and-coming technology vendors and tell you how their products and services can help bolster your business.

Our List of This Years' 100 Emerging Companies to Watch, with Links to All ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

A Look at Each of the Market Segments for Our Emerging Companies ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Penny Pinchers

This year's call for Emerging Companies nominees revealed that the dampened economy has left plenty of room for innovation.

IT Goes on a Bargain Hunt

This year's Emerging Companies to Watch are helping IT reduce costs and do more with fewer resources.



Think Like a Venture Capitalist

Running the Risk

Why Efficiency Rules

Untangling the Supply Chain

Determining whether fledgling firms have the needed responsiveness, management skills and financial wherewithall is as important as how cool their technology is.



Live Long and Prosper

Sold on Innovation

Savvy companies looking for a competitive leg up in their sales and service operations are reaping the benefits of innovation, responsiveness and leading-edge technology from emerging companies.



No Stone Left Unturned

Powering Your Sales Department

Bean Counting

Emerging companies are helping to leverage massive stores of data to analyze costs and pinpoint inefficiencies.



Smart Moves

Connecting With Customers

Emerging players have helped companies reach out to customers by storing and indexing XML data and providing product information and shipping status via the Web.



Bend Without Breaking

Connecting With Customers

Saving Money On the Desktop

Emerging companies are helping to lower IT's total cost of ownership on the desktop by reducing support needs and monitoring hardware and software.



An IT Makeover

All Eyes Upon Them

Now more than ever, emerging technology companies are finding themselves under increased scrutiny from investors and customers.



Inspecting Credentials

Hitting the Financial Books

Who's Getting The Money?

For IT buyers, the decline in equity investments spells good news: Vendors are less likely to be abandoned by their venture capitalist backers and will be held more accountable for generating real, ongoing revenue.



By the Numbers

The Standouts

How We Picked Them

Here's how Computerworld picked the top 100 Emerging Companies to Watch in 2002.

Due Diligence

Doing business with emerging technology companies is an opportunity—and a challenge, says columnist Frank Hayes. Here are some ideas on how to build trust.