Across the speech technology industry in 2008 and 2009, mergers and acquisitions, financial chaos, corporate belt-tightening, and customer apprehension have been the dominant trends. But despite the many negative pressures, common sentiment is that the industry is, first and foremost, not being hit as hard as most others, and second, that it’s going to emerge stronger, more nimble, and better prepared to take advantage of the pending economic upswing. That’s thanks in large part to the efforts of the vendors identified as this year’s Market Leaders. After dozens of analyst and consultant interviews, the editors of Speech Technology have put together these rankings— and while some of the winners, leaders, and vendor contenders might come as a surprise, no one should be shocked at the industry’s commitment to better itself, more evident this year than in many years past.

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