It can be difficult to sum up the software industry without using nebulous terms. After all, when software innovation is the driving force behind everything from Wi-Fi technology to orthodontics, it can feel hard to fit its scope into one tidy package. Going by standard definitions, “software” refers to any data or programs used by a processor to perform a set of tasks, giving computers a set of electronic guidelines to follow in order to achieve certain goals. The original software program was the SSEM, which was designed to independently solve mathematical equations. However, from its humble beginnings in computer punch cards to its modern incarnations as SaaS and cloud communication, software programs have stepped beyond rote functions and now power everything from our businesses to our social media.
While the software industry continues to write the rules by which all tech has to play, San Jose is taking the lead in development and innovation. Over the past century, San Jose has grown into the third largest city in California, boasting The Tech Interactive museum and, soon, four Google tech hubs among its landmarks. Check out San Jose software companies thriving in the country’s tech metropolis.
Prominent Software Companies in San Jose
- Align Technology
- Growthplug
- Kika Tech
- Pinger
- Skybox Security
- Virsec
- Xilinx
- Zoom
Founded: 2011
Focus: Enterprise Software
What they do: No matter how far members are spread across national and international boundaries, companies need teams to collaborate on and complete crucial projects. That’s why Zoom has developed a suite of communication tools for people to connect in ways they feel comfortable. Meetings, private online spaces, phone calls, and other options make teamwork more manageable over longer distances.
Founded: 1982
Focus: Enterprise Software and Photo Editing
What they do: Adobe is a digital marketing and media solutions platform that allows users to create, edit and optimize digital content. From photo and video editing tools to PDF readers and advertising analytics, Adobe offers tools that individuals and businesses can use to optimize their digital operations and creative output. Adobe has offices in six U.S. states, as well as international offices in India.
Founded: 1997
Focus: Dental Tech
What they do: Align Technology is the designer and manufacturer of the Invisalign system of realigning teeth. Their dental imaging software solution, iTero, gives general practitioners and orthodontists the ability to digitally visualize tooth wear and movement. The company’s technology is used in over 100 countries to correct tooth alignment and assist dental practitioners in their practices.
Founded: 2011
Focus: E-commerce
What they do: Edison Software is a consumer software platform that delivers solutions for email organization and capabilities. Their iOS and Android compatible mobile app streamlines the process of unsubscribing from emails and organizing events, and additionally features undo send, bulk email deletion and in-app assistance functions. Edison Software was founded by Hetal Pandya and Mikael Berner, with offices in San Jose, Denver, New York, Guangzhou and Beijing.
Founded: 2017
Focus: Healthcare SaaS
What they do: Founded to assist healthcare clients in patient onboarding, online reputation scores and administrative operations, GrowthPlug is an optimization SaaS focused on making hospital operations more efficient and increasing patient satisfaction. The services they offer their healthcare clients include modernized web presence, search engine optimization, an analytics dashboard and the ability to make online appointments.
Founded: 2006
Focus: Enterprise Software
What they do: Jifflenow is a meeting automation platform that makes it easier for businesses to manage scheduling, roundtables, events and trainings. Their software allows companies to organize meeting data by type, customize workflows, track metrics and more, all while offering enterprise-grade security and GDPR compliance.
Founded: 2016
Focus: Social Media
What they do: Kika Tech is a mobile app developer that specializes in creating personalized social media engagement and communication through AI. They provide customizable keyboards, emojis and voice typing software. Headquartered in San Jose, Kika Tech is looking to expand in the U.S. and internationally.
Founded: 2009
Focus: Enterprise Software
What they do: Nunatix offers a storage management infrastructure for businesses looking to manage their digital cloud operations. The platform scales to manage data and run programs and apps, providing enterprises with cloud migration capabilities in order to moderate their data centers from any location.
Founded: 2005
Focus: Social Media
What they do: Pinger is a mobile app that provides a messaging platform for iOS and Android. The company is the developer behind two apps: Textfree, which allows users to text without paying for SMS, and Sideline, which allows users to monitor multiple phone numbers from one phone app.
Founded: 2006
Focus: Semiconductor
What they do: Quantenna Communications is a semiconductor software company focused on providing users with Wi-Fi solutions and fast internet access. Relying on Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology for wireless communication, Quantenna’s Wi-Fi network enables the transmission of data to multiple clients at once. Quantenna is a division of the company ON Semiconductor.
Founded: 2002
Focus: Cybersecurity
What they do: Skybox Security utilizes analytics, deep machine learning and predictive threat management to provide cyber security protections to corporations like BlueCross BlueShield and Johnson & Johnson. Among the solutions they offer are firewall auditing, attack surface visibility, cloud network security and vulnerability management. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Skybox Security has operations in India, Australia, the U.K., and other locations across the globe.
Founded: 2006
Focus: Internet of Things
What they do: Splashtop provides the opportunity for cross-screen communication for computers, TVs, cars, clouds and more. The company’s technology allows users to control data and files across devices from their mobile phone. Splashtop enables screen mirroring and remote support both for individuals and enterprises.
Founded: 2014
Focus: Cyber Security
What they do: Virsec is a cloud security platform that includes memory firewall, web application security and cyberattack protection amongst its software services. Working with companies like Aveva and Raytheon, Virsec provides security solutions to clients in the financial, government, retail, healthcare and ICS industries.
Founded: 2014
Focus: Enterprise Software
What they do: Whatfix Inc. is an enterprise software company designed to help businesses create a personable and effective digital presence. The company’s goal is to target user interaction and facilitate a more enjoyable online experience, giving business owners tools to create an omnichannel presence with minimal coding necessary. Whatfix counts Heineken, CardinalHealth and Webafrica among their clients.
Founded: 1984
Focus: Electronic Design Software
What they do: Xilinx is a semiconductor company that programs and supplies logic solutions and software tools. Among the products they offer are ACAPs, FPGAs and SoCs, which enable machine learning, video processing, genomics and data analytics. As a company, they value community engagement and participate in outreach programs such as donation matching and volunteer work.
Founded: 1987
Focus: Information Technology
What they do: 8x8 is a provider of cloud communication solutions, working with enterprises to help simplify employee collaboration and customer service. Their services include business phone systems, contact center platforms and video conferencing, and the company includes McDonald’s and Shimano among their clients.
