Tech talk

The northern Plains technology sector is often described as being emerging and full of potential. This is true, but it is also somewhat misleading. Yes, there are a growing number of new tech firms in the area, but there are also a healthy number of tech companies that have already become established, well-respected leaders in their chosen niche

This month’s cover feature profiles Pedigree Technologies, a Fargo-based firm specializing in providing software systems for machine-to-machine applications Many people were still discovering the Internet’s capabilities when Alex Warner founded the company from his basement a little over a decade ago on a hunch that there would eventually be a large market for companies that could collect and transmit data from equipment to end-users. Today, the “Internet of Things” as it is sometimes called is estimated to represent a trillion-dollar market Pedigree Technologies has experienced triple-digit growth in recent years and was named North Dakota’s second-fastest growing company last year Warner says he expects the market will only continue to grow and he intends to continue growing his company along with it from its base in North Dakota Read “Rise of the Machine (to Machine)” to learn more

A number of other technology firms in the region are working on that “next big thing,” – a technological process or product that could significantly change lives or the way we do business. Disruptive technologies are being developed all around us, but we may not realize it yet because it’s impossible to measure their impact until they come to market In “Prairie-Based Disruption,” contributing writer Rob Swenson highlights several potentially disruptive technologies being developed in our region, including portable, solar generators that can be used for a number of applications, perhaps most importantly to power small refrigerators that can be used to store medicine in underdeveloped countries Other firms are focused on developing cures for infectious diseases, mobile apps and advanced materials for use in a wide variety of industries.

Experts say the pro-business tax and regulatory environments in the Dakotas encourage the launch and expansion of entrepreneurial ventures, including tech firms The region’s universities also contribute handily to the industry through research and development of the workforce Look to the origins of many of the region’s existing technology firms as proof of higher education’s impact on the industry many have been launched or fostered at university incubators Further evidence of higher education’s impact on the industry can be found in this month’s Business Development article Technology developed in Spain that enables people to pay for goods and services using a device that reads biometric details from their fingerprint found its way to the Black Hills of South Dakota via the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology As a result, Rapid City is now the testing ground for this fascinating technology which has the potential to revolutionize payment systems around the world Check out “A handier way to pay ” to read about the technology and why local businesses are embracing it.

Finally, I want to draw your attention to our upcoming “50 Best Companies to Work For” contest

Our September issue will highlight the top 50 small and large for-profit companies in the Dakotas and western Minnesota, based upon feedback from their employees. To enter into the running, employees need to complete a short survey ranking the company on a number of aspects including pay, benefits and overall company culture Visit our website prairiebizmag com and click on the “50 Best Companies” tab to complete the survey Submissions will be accepted until July 18, so pass the link around and be sure to get your business the attention it deserves.

KORRIE WENZEL, Publisher

RONA JOHNSON, Executive Editor

KRIS BEVILL, Editor

BETH BOHLMAN, Circulation Manager

KRIS WOLFF, Layout Design, Ad Design

Sales Director: JOHN FETSCH

701 212 1026 jfetsch@prairiebizmag com

Sales:

BRAD BOYD - western ND/western SD 800 641 0683 bboyd@prairiebizmag com

SHELLY LARSON - eastern ND/western MN 701 866 3628 slarson@prairiebizmag com

Editor: KRIS BEVILL

701 306 8561 kbevill@prairiebizmag com

Editorial Advisors:

Dwaine Chapel, Executive Director, Research Park at South Dakota State University; Bruce Gjovig, Director, Center for Innovation; Lisa Gulland-Nelson, Vice President, Marketing and PR , Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC; Tonya Joe

(T.J.) Hansen, Assistant Professor of Economics, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Dusty Johnson, Chief of Staff for South Dakota Gov Dennis Daugaard’s office; Brekka Kramer, General Manager of Odney; Matthew Mohr, President/CEO, Dacotah Paper Company; Nancy Straw, President, West Central Initiative

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203

Qualifying subscriptions are available free of charge Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Subscriptions Free subscriptions are available online to qualified requestors at www prairiebizmag com

Address corrections Prairie Business magazine PO Box 6008

Grand Forks, ND 58206-6008

Beth Bohlman: bbohlman@prairiebizmag.com

Online www prairiebizmag com