This is the web version of a feature thatoriginally appeared in Real EstateForum magazine. To see the story in its originallayout, click here.

Technology. It has long been a foreign word in commercial realestate, an industry that's been one of the slowest adopters ofinnovation. But that is all changing.

New real estate technology companies are emerging to disrupt(or, revolutionize) every corner of the commercial real estateindustry, from property management and marketing to financing andbrokerage. While most of the technologies can be utilized acrossasset classes, the multifamily market in particular is getting abulk of the tech boost. These new technology platforms and productsare making it easier to do both the big things, like develop andbuy or sell a property, to the important day-to-day tasks, likecollecting rent payments and tracking energy consumption.