ReadWriteWeb

Now that the DEMOfall 09 conference has wrapped, we can look back to see which companies have the most potential out of the 70+ exhibitors. Despite what the DEMOgod awards crowned as king, we can't say we agree with the judges' every pick. For example, award winner DateCheck from Intelius, a mobile app that lets you search for dirt on that new guy or gal you're seeing, had one of the best onstage demos of the week. However, they don't deserve to be in a "best of" list because the app is really just a front for Intelius's paid (and sketchy) background checking service. That being said, there were still plenty of companies worthy of notice at this fall's conference.

Which companies did we think made the grade? Read on to find out.

Today at the DEMOfall 09 conference, CallSpark announced a new technology for mobile phone users. The application is a dynamic address book that lets you search for people across multiple accounts and social networks as well as in the popular CRM system, Salesforce, Whitepages, Yellowpages, and Yelp. But CallSpark isn't simply a useful address book service, it also lets you view real-time information about whoever you're calling. For people, that includes the most recent social networking updates from Facebook and Twitter, while for business listings, there's even more interactive content available thanks to customizable listings called "RingPages."

Today at the DEMOfall 09 conference, Digitrad announced a new consumer voice service called OrganIP. Although the odd name conjures up ideas of a medical or musical application, we think that perhaps it's supposed to be a play on the word "organize." (Well...maybe.) Names aside, what this new application does is intriguing. It connects you with your social networking friends via your mobile phone or web browser, allowing you to place calls even if you don't know your friend's phone number. In addition, you can use the app to send voicemails or even voice-to-text messages and all you need to know is a person's name.

80Legs is a web crawling and online content analysis service which first impressed us back in April at the Web 2.0 Expo. At that time, the company was launching into a private beta, but today at the DEMOfall 09 conference, they're going live. In the time that has passed since their initial debut, the company has been working on scaling out the performance and power of their service while also preparing to launch a new feature which should appeal to both developers and non-developers alike: an "app store." This feature allows 80Legs users to write applications that run on top of the 80Legs service and gives them the ability to share those apps with others.

From the same company that delivered BountyStorms, the crowdsourced Q&A service, now comes GuruStorms, a new twist on the brainstorming concept which connects you with subject-matter experts instead of with the general public. Making its debut at this week's DEMOfall 09 conference, the new site lets anyone post a question along with a monetary "reward" for answers. Then all you have to do is wait for the experts to weigh in. And don't worry - unlike on Twitter, where anyone can call themselves an "expert," this site offers the real deal. Before any of the gurus can join, they're carefully vetted to make sure they're legit. So whether you need a geologist, a data analyst, or anyone else, GuruStorms plans to have you covered.

Waze is a free mobile navigation application which uses crowdsourcing to build its maps. Simply by having the application open and running, drivers using GPS-enabled smartphones can contribute map data to Waze where it then becomes part of the base map. Through passive tracking features which monitor speed, direction, and starts and stops, Waze can also identify traffic patterns to warn you of jams ahead. Drivers who want to take a more active roll in contributing content on hazards and accidents can do so from the app...although hopefully, not while driving.

Invite code available at bottom of the article!

Although the data repository Infochimps has been open for a year or so now, the company is making a big announcement at the DEMOfall 09 conference today. Now, in addition to simply being one of the best sources for finding raw data online, you're able to share your data - or even list it for sale - through new site features which the company hopes will encourage businesses to open up their commercial datasets to the world.

If you're a smart shopper (and these days, who isn't?), then you probably check the weekly circular for deals and clip out coupons so you can save at the store. Or maybe your coupons arrive digitally, through emails and text messages. But wouldn't it be better if your phone itself could function as the coupon? That's the promise of MoLo Rewards, a wireless coupon application which lets you scan your phone at the point of sale to instantly redeem all your coupons or loyalty rewards using either Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

Dating sites haven't changed much over the years. Oh sure, there are new matchmaking algorithms that claim to have a better shot at connecting you to that "special someone," but a few basic concepts remain. You still have to upload a photo, fill out a profile, list your likes and dislikes, and so on. Doesn't everyone enjoy "long walks on the beach" and "playing with their dog?" How does that help you really get to know who someone is? Gelato thinks they have a better way. Using concepts happily copied from FriendFeed, the social site that seems to be the inspiration for all, Gelato brings the lifestreaming concept into the world of online dating. By connecting you with your social networks, site users can get to know each other in much more natural ways.

Looking for a new company to get excited about? Look no further than mobile mapping startup, Micello. Their new mapping solution is basically "Google Maps for the indoors." What that means is that instead of focusing on streets and terrain, they're mapping the insides of buildings like shopping malls, convention centers, theme parks, college campuses, and more. And because Micello is a mobile solution, you not only see what's where, you can see where you are, too.