Six Alberta companies are among the 2002 Deloitte & Touche Canadian Technology Fast 50 finalists.

The annual Fast 50 program recognizes Canada’s fastest-growing technology companies, both public and private, from all technology sectors.

The Alberta finalists include:
* BioWare Corp., Edmonton (Software)
* CSI Wireless Inc., Calgary (Semiconductor/Equipment)
* Impact Blue Inc., Calgary (Internet Communications/Networking)
* Matrikon Inc., Edmonton (Software)
* NTG Clarity Networks Inc., Calgary (Internet Communications/Networking)
* Quorum Information Technologies Inc., Calgary (Software Architects).

Earlier this year, Quorum was ranked as one of the top 100 IT services companies in Canada for 2002 in the Branham Group’s annual ranking. Quorum was also rated as the 39th fastest-growing company in Canada, according to the 2002 PROFIT 100.

Elsewhere, the number of Quebec-based technology companies rose dramatically to 14 (28 per cent of the list) this year from six (12 per cent) in 2001. British Columbia also increased its share of representation with 12 (24 per cent) companies on the 2002 list, up from 10 (20 per cent) last year.

While slipping, Ontario remains the dominant province represented by 16 (32 per cent) finalists compared to 25 (50 per cent) last year.

“Our experience shows that successful growth companies are distinguished from others by their ability to recognize the importance of identifying long-term goals and deploying clear strategies to achieve these goals,” said Garry Foster, national director technology, media and telecommunications, Deloitte & Touche.

“This insight is reaffirmed by the majority of the Fast 50 finalists, who indicate that developing a strong marketing strategy is their greatest business challenge.”

The annual program ranks the 50 fastest-growing technology companies based on the highest rates of revenue growth during the last five years (1997-2001). The final ranking of the 2002 Deloitte & Touche Canadian Technology Fast 50 recipients will be announced on Sept. 25, 2002.

Deloitte & Touche is a professional services firm providing assurance and advisory, financial advisory, tax and consulting services across the country.