Carrier IQ - Top Wireless Company 2008: FierceWireless, Fierce 15

Carrier IQ

Where it's based: Mountain View, Calif.
When it was founded: 2005
Website: www.carrieriq.com

Why it's Fierce: Carrier IQ's doing what other companies have tried but not quite perfected--they are helping the operators and handset makers see what is going on between the end user and the device and between the device and the network. Carrier IQ's mobile service intelligence platform combined with a device client lets carriers and OEMS get real-time data on such things as what applications customers are accessing, if they are experiencing network latency or even if they are side-loading content. The firm has some patented technology that resides on the device and lets the firm measure the customer's experience on the device.

The company, which was formed in 2005, says its biggest challenge is convincing the mid-level technology executives at companies to deploy their technology. CEO Mark Quinlivan says that the senior executives understand the importance of it but some of the operational people realize that by deploying Carrier IQ, they may not look so good. "It doesn't always make them happy. We are basically telling them their baby is ugly," Quinlivan says.

What to look for: Carrier IQ's client list includes Sprint and Sierra Wireless. CEO Quinlivan says the firm works with at least seven of the top 10 major OEMs. Look for the firm to increase its scale in the coming year through more vendor and carrier deals.