 Not surprisingly, many of the 2007 Fierce 15 firms are focused on innovative
applications - both for the consumer and enterprise markets. Location-based services,
mobile banking and mobile payments are just a few of the compelling services that
appear to be making progress with operators. Some of the companies we selected
will take advantage of these trends and offer what we believe are groundbreaking
solutions.
FierceWireless Fierce 15... It's been more than 20 years since the first cellular phone made its debut in
the U.S. and the wireless industry is still going strong. Sure it's maturing and
converging but this dynamic industry continues to draw flocks of subscribers who
want to sign up for service, upgrade handsets and download applications.
I guess it's no surprise then that this vibrant industry still attracts a bevy
of smart startups and adventurous entrepreneurs. There's no better proof of this
than the Fierce 15, FierceWireless' annual list of the top emerging companies
in the wireless industry.
Our winners this year are a diverse mix. If there's one common theme to these
companies it is that the vast majority of them have strong executive teams with
wireless company experience. Although wireless experience doesn't necessarily
guarantee success, it often does provide the necessary entree to the wireless
operator, which we believe is still key to longevity in this business.
Not surprisingly, many of the 2007 Fierce 15 firms are focused on innovative
applications--both for the consumer and enterprise markets. Applications, not
equipment, were a common theme at the recent CTIA Wireless conference in Orlando
where most of the companies on the show floor were demonstrating applications
that would boost operator revenue. This was a striking change from the past when
the focus was more on telecom equipment.
Location-based services, mobile banking and mobile payments are just a few of
the compelling services that appear to be making progress with operators. Some
of the companies we selected will take advantage of these trends and offer what
we believe are groundbreaking solutions.
But that doesn't mean that you should disregard technology offerings. A few of
our Fierce 15 firms are making interesting strides in the market because they
solve specific technology problems--problems that will likely make a big difference
in voice quality, data rates and consumer satisfaction.
The 2007 Fierce 15 companies are privately held firms that were evaluated and
selected by the FierceWireless editors. They were chosen because we think they
have the potential to advance the North American wireless industry and become
a great success story--these are companies that are the epitome of fierce.
See http://www.fiercewireless.com/Fierce15/2007/ |
