Utah's high-tech 20.

• Author: Hullinger, Brett
• Position: Feature Story - High technology companies

Few states have leveraged the economic power of high-tech better than Utah. With its pioneer roots firmly planted in mining and agriculture, the Beehive State hitched its wagon to technology and pulled itself into the new economy. The result is that Utah--despite its relatively sparse population and geographic distance from major technology and financial markets--has become something of an Intermountain Silicon Valley.

Building on the foundation established by the likes of WordPerfect, Novell and Iomega. here is a look at 20 Utah-based companies--compiled by industry experts who are plugged into the local scene--poised to advance the state's position as a major high-tech player.

Companies were selected for having a unique business model; a ground-breaking product, service or process; an important strategic alliance; or a significant global presence. Some are large, established industry leaders. Others are small, innovative newcomers still making their mark. Each places its own unique brand of entrepreneurial initiative on Utah's technology sector.

ALTIRIS (www.altiris.com)

Ten million Compaq computers roll off the line each year with Altiris software bundled inside. The company specializes in web-enabled tools that help IT professionals manage corporate resources and reduce costs. Using Altiris software, an IT manager sitting at his or her desk can upgrade all of the company's computers to a new operating system or distribute new software to every employee. Sales have rocketed from $3.5 million in 1999 to $34 million in 2001.

CAMPUS PIPELINE (www.campuspipeline.com)

Not since Starbucks has a company been so instrumental in getting universities wired. Campus Pipeline's primary function is to help institutions of higher education build a "unified digital campus." This means a user can access an institution's myriad services and programs through a single web sign-on. More than 150 universities--including Notre Dame, Drexel, Pepperdine, Hawaii Pacific and nearly a dozen international schools--utilize the Campus Pipeline Web Platform.

CLEARONE COMMUNICATIONS (www.clearone.com)

ClearOne Communications handles all aspects of audio, video and web conferencing. The company offers conferencing products-- phones, cameras, furniture and accessories--for executive offices, boardrooms, convention venues, courtrooms, and more. ClearOne's product line is supported by a full range of services, including translation and transcription, technical support and...