PatientKeeper
Brighton, Mass.
Founded: 1996
www.patientkeeper.com

Why It’s Fierce: PatientKeeper's open architecture software for PDAs and other handheld devices is fast becoming the gold standard for quick and accurate data entry. The PatientKeeper platform allows doctors and nurses to quickly input clinical and billing data from their favorite handheld device. Cerner and IBM are committed to using the PatientKeeper in future products. The technology landscape is littered with failed hospital IT vendors. We think PatientKeeper will avoid the potholes.

What to look for in 2003: Newly appointed chief executive Paul Brient, formerly with McKesson’s HBOC unit, should take PatientKeeper to the next level this year.