INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP INC
S-1/A, 1996-10-15
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES
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<PAGE>
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 15, 1996
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-12547
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
          Delaware                         8732                        74-2671492
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION   (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
             OF                 CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)      IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
      INCORPORATION OR
        ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
                      1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
                            Building Two, Plaza One
                              Austin, Texas 78746
                                 (512) 329-0808
 
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
            AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                James Schellhase
              Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
                      IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
                      1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
                            Building Two, Plaza One
                              Austin, Texas 78746
                                 (512) 329-0808
 
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
       Allen L. Morgan, Esq.                 Larry A. Barden, Esq.
     Christopher F. Boyd, Esq.               Robert W. Kadlec, Esq.
     Jeffrey D. Cattalini, Esq.              Thomas S. Finke, Esq.
  Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati            Jon A. Ballis, Esq.
      Professional Corporation                  Sidley & Austin
         650 Page Mill Road                 One First National Plaza
    Palo Alto, California 94304                    Suite 4400
                                            Chicago, Illinois 60603
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
    If  any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule 415 under the Securities Act  of
1933, check the following box. / /
 
    If  this form  is filed  to register  additional securities  for an offering
pursuant to  Rule 462(b)  under the  Securities Act  of 1933,  please check  the
following  box and list the Securities  Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If this form  is a post-effective  amendment filed pursuant  to Rule  462(c)
under  the Securities Act, check  the following box and  list the Securities Act
registration statement number  of the earlier  effective registration  statement
for the same offering. / /
 
    If  delivery of the prospectus is expected  to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
                            ------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY  AMENDS THIS  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON  SUCH DATE  OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE  A  FURTHER  AMENDMENT  WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE  IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a)  OF
THE  SECURITIES ACT  OF 1933  OR UNTIL  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION  8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
         PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(b) OF REGULATION S-K SHOWING LOCATION IN
            PROSPECTUS OF INFORMATION REQUIRED BY ITEMS OF FORM S-1
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM NUMBER AND HEADING IN
FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT                                                    LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                       <C>
       1.  Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside Front
            Cover Page of Prospectus...............................  Outside Front Cover Page
       2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
            Prospectus.............................................  Inside Front Cover Page; Outside Back Cover Page
       3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of Earnings
            to Fixed Charges.......................................  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
       4.  Use of Proceeds.........................................  Use of Proceeds
       5.  Determination of Offering Price.........................  Outside Front Cover Page; Underwriting
       6.  Dilution................................................  Not Applicable
       7.  Selling Security Holders................................  Principal and Selling Stockholders
       8.  Plan of Distribution....................................  Outside and Inside Front Cover Pages; Underwriting
       9.  Description of Securities to be Registered..............  Prospectus Summary; Capitalization; Description of
                                                                      Capital Stock
      10.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel..................  Not Applicable
      11.  Information with Respect to the Registrant..............  Outside and Inside Front Cover Pages; Prospectus
                                                                      Summary; Risk Factors; Use of Proceeds; Dividend
                                                                      Policy; Capitalization; Selected Consolidated
                                                                      Financial Data; Management's Discussion and
                                                                      Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
                                                                      Operations; Business; Management; Certain
                                                                      Transactions; Principal and Selling Stockholders;
                                                                      Description of Capital Stock; Shares Eligible for
                                                                      Future Sale; Legal Matters; Experts; Consolidated
                                                                      Financial Statements
      12.  Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for
            Securities Act Liabilities.............................  Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT   TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.  A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT  RELATING TO  THESE SECURITIES  HAS BEEN  FILED WITH  THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES  MAY NOT BE  SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR  TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  TO  SELL  OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN  ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
                                                   Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(a)
                                                      Registration No. 333-12547
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 15, 1996
    
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                                2,881,000 SHARES
 
                              [INTELLIQUEST LOGO]
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
    Of the 2,881,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, 1,000,000 are  being
sold  by IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.  (the "Company") and 1,881,000 are
being  sold   by  the   Selling  Stockholders.   See  "Principal   and   Selling
Stockholders." The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
shares by the Selling Stockholders.
 
    The  Common Stock  offered hereby  is quoted  on the  Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "IQST." On September 25, 1996, the last reported sale price  of
the Common Stock was $25.50. See "Price Range of Common Stock."
 
    SEE  "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 6  FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE  CONSIDERED BY  PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS  OF THE  SHARES OF  COMMON
STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.
 
                             ---------------------
 
THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN APPROVED  OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE SECURITIES
   AND  EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY  STATE   SECURITIES  COMMISSION   NOR
      HAS   THE   SECURITIES  AND   EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY  STATE
        SECURITIES   COMMISSION    PASSED   UPON    THE   ACCURACY    OR
             ADEQUACY   OF  THIS   PROSPECTUS.  ANY  REPRESENTATION
                       TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PROCEEDS TO
                             PRICE TO       UNDERWRITING      PROCEEDS TO        SELLING
                              PUBLIC         DISCOUNT(1)      COMPANY(2)      STOCKHOLDERS
<S>                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Per Share...............         $                $                $                $
Total(3)................         $                $                $                $
</TABLE>
 
(1) The  Company and  the  Selling Stockholders  have  agreed to  indemnify  the
    Underwriters  against certain  liabilities, including  liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
 
(2) Before deducting expenses of the  offering payable by the Company  estimated
    at $       .
 
(3)  Certain Selling Stockholders have granted  the Underwriters a 30-day option
    to purchase up  to an additional  432,150 shares of  Common Stock solely  to
    cover  over-allotments, if any.  See "Underwriting." If  all such shares are
    purchased, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds  to
    Selling  Stockholders will be $            , $            and $            ,
    respectively.
 
    The Common Stock  is offered  by the several  Underwriters when,  as and  if
delivered to and accepted by them and subject to their right to reject orders in
whole  or in  part. It  is expected  that delivery  of the  certificates for the
Common Stock will be made on or about            , 1996.
 
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY                            ROBERTSON, STEPHENS & COMPANY
 
                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS            , 1996
<PAGE>
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The Company  has filed  with  the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the
"Commission"),  Washington, D.C. a Registration Statement  on Form S-1 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended  (the "Securities Act"), with respect to  the
shares  of Common Stock offered hereby. This  Prospectus does not contain all of
the information set  forth in the  Registration Statement and  the exhibits  and
schedules  thereto. For further information with  respect to the Company and the
Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and
the exhibits  and  schedules  filed  therewith.  Statements  contained  in  this
Prospectus  as to the contents of any contract or any other document referred to
are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy
of such  contract or  other document  filed as  an exhibit  to the  Registration
Statement,  each  such  statement  being  qualified  in  all  respects  by  such
reference. A copy of the Registration Statement, and the exhibits and  schedules
thereto,  may be inspected without  charge at the offices  of the Commission, or
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company is  subject to  the information requirements  of the  Securities
Exchange  Act  of  1934, as  amended  (the  "Exchange Act"),  and  in accordance
therewith files  reports and  other information  with the  Commission.  Reports,
proxy statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied  (at prescribed rates) at the  Commission's Public Reference Section, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C.  20549, as well as the New  York
Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048,
and  the Chicago Regional Office, 500  West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60601. Quotations relating to the Company's Common Stock appear on  the
Nasdaq  National Market and such reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq  Stock
Market,  1735  K  Street,  N.W., Washington,  D.C.  20006.  The  Commission also
maintains a World  Wide Web site  that contains reports,  proxy and  information
statements  and other information regarding registrants that file electronically
with the Commission. The address of the site is http://www.sec.gov.
                            ------------------------
 
    IntelliQuest, the IntelliQuest  logo and  the names of  products offered  by
IntelliQuest  are trademarks or registered trademarks of IntelliQuest. All other
trademarks or  service marks  appearing  in this  Prospectus are  trademarks  or
registered trademarks of the respective companies that utilize them.
                            ------------------------
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL  ABOVE THAT  WHICH MIGHT  OTHERWISE  PREVAIL IN  THE OPEN  MARKET.  SUCH
STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
                            ------------------------
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH  THIS OFFERING,  CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS  AND OTHER SELLING
GROUP MEMBERS, IF ANY, OR THEIR  AFFILIATES MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET  MAKING
TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK OF THE COMPANY ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET IN
ACCORDANCE  WITH  RULE 10B-6A  UNDER THE  SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF  1934. SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY  IS QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION  AND  THE  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS  AND  NOTES  THERETO,
APPEARING  ELSEWHERE  IN  THIS PROSPECTUS.  IN  MAY 1996,  THE  COMPANY ACQUIRED
INTELLIQUEST COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ("INTELLIQUEST COMMUNICATIONS," FORMERLY KNOWN
AS PIPELINE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) IN A TRANSACTION ACCOUNTED FOR AS A POOLING OF
INTERESTS. AS SUCH, THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO HAVE
BEEN RESTATED  TO  INCLUDE THE  OPERATING  RESULTS AND  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  OF
INTELLIQUEST  COMMUNICATIONS FOR EACH  OF THE PERIODS  AND AT EACH  OF THE DATES
PRESENTED.  UNLESS  OTHERWISE  INDICATED,  ALL  INFORMATION  CONTAINED  IN  THIS
PROSPECTUS  ASSUMES NO EXERCISE OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION. THIS
PROSPECTUS  CONTAINS   FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS   THAT  INVOLVE   RISKS   AND
UNCERTAINTIES.  SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO,
THE  COMPANY'S  EXPECTATIONS  REGARDING  ITS  FUTURE  FINANCIAL  CONDITION   AND
OPERATING  RESULTS, PRODUCT  DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS  AND GROWTH  STRATEGY, MARKET
CONDITIONS AND  COMPETITIVE  ENVIRONMENT.  THE COMPANY'S  ACTUAL  RESULTS  COULD
DIFFER  MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS
A RESULT OF CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS"  AND
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    IntelliQuest  Information Group, Inc. ("IntelliQuest" or the "Company") is a
leading provider of quantitative marketing information to technology  companies.
IntelliQuest   supplies   customers   with  timely,   objective,   accurate  and
cost-effective information about technology  markets, customers and products  on
both  a subscription basis and a proprietary project basis. The Company uses its
proprietary databases and  software to help  technology companies track  product
performance and customer satisfaction, measure advertising effectiveness, assess
brand  strength  and  competitive  position,  determine  price  sensitivity, and
evaluate new products, markets or other business opportunities. The Company also
licenses custom  proprietary software  applications and  associated services  to
technology manufacturers for customer registration.
 
    Since  its  founding  in  1985,  IntelliQuest  has  focused  on  meeting the
specialized market research  needs of  technology companies  and publishers  who
market  to  technology advertisers.  The Company  believes  that its  ability to
cost-effectively provide  consistent  information regarding  both  domestic  and
international  technology  markets differentiates  it  from its  competitors and
enhances the Company's ability  to capitalize on  the trend among  multinational
technology   vendors  to  seek  worldwide   market  research.  The  Company  has
established relationships with  over 55 technology  companies and with  numerous
leading publishers who market to technology advertisers.
 
    The   Company   focuses  on   providing  renewable   subscription-based  and
proprietary products as well  as one-time research services.  In 1995, 84.7%  of
the  Company's total revenues were generated from the sale of renewable products
and services.  Due  to  the  strategic  value  of  IntelliQuest's  products  and
services,  its innovative use  of proprietary technology  to collect and analyze
information and the  Company's reputation  for excellent  customer service,  the
Company averaged dollar-weighted renewals for subscription-based products of 84%
over  the three year period  from 1993 through 1995.  Eight of the Company's ten
largest customers in 1994 were also among its ten largest customers in 1995.
 
    The Company has made substantial  investments in proprietary technology  for
survey  administration, data  collection and  data analysis.  IntelliQuest was a
pioneer in the use of disk-based  interactive survey techniques, which are  used
to gather information from technology purchasers and users. The Company has made
a  substantial investment in  ReplyDisk, its proprietary  survey software, which
allows the  Company  to  easily create  customized  interactive,  graphical  and
multi-media  survey  applications.  The  Company  has  also  used  the ReplyDisk
platform to create  off-the-shelf survey software  applications. The Company  is
currently  developing  NetQuest,  which  will allow  the  Company  to administer
interactive surveys on the Internet.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    While the Company incurred net losses in each of 1993 and 1994, it  recorded
a  net profit  in 1995 and  has improved  operating margins over  the past three
years by leveraging fixed annual investments in subscription-based products over
an increasing subscriber base. The Company has also invested in data  collection
technologies  and  panel recruitment  to  further lower  cost  of revenues  as a
percentage of  total  sales.  In  1995, the  Company's  operating  income  as  a
percentage of revenues increased to 6.0%, based on revenues of $19.1 million and
operating  income of $1.1 million, compared to an operating loss as a percentage
of revenues of 5.0% in 1992, based on $3.9 million in revenues and an  operating
loss of $196,000.
 
    The  Company's  growth  strategy  is  to  (i)  leverage  its  expertise  and
reputation to  expand  its  presence  among other  business  units  of  existing
customers  and to  capture a  portion of  the growth  in such  customers' market
research budgets; (ii) extend its product and service offering to new  customers
within  both the Company's current target markets and new target markets such as
data communications, on-line  services and interactive  new media; (iii)  expand
its  recently introduced Internet-based research  tools and information services
such as Web site surveys  and a survey to  measure Internet and on-line  service
usage  among technology  purchase influencers;  (iv) expand  marketing services,
such as database  marketing, associated with  electronic customer  registration;
(v)  expand international  market research capabilities  to meet  the demand for
consistent  worldwide  market  research;  and  (vi)  pursue  strategic  business
acquisitions  of companies that provide products  or services not offered by the
Company, have  strategic  customer  relationships,  are  located  in  attractive
geographic locations or have proprietary technologies.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
    In  May  1996,  the  Company  acquired  IntelliQuest  Communications,  which
resulted in IntelliQuest  Communications becoming a  wholly-owned subsidiary  of
the  Company. IntelliQuest  Communications is  a leading  provider of electronic
customer registration and marketing  services for a  number of leading  computer
hardware,  software  and peripheral  companies. IntelliQuest  Communications has
developed a  proprietary frame  relay network  that allows  electronic  customer
registration  from  over  90  countries  and 400  cities  worldwide  as  well as
registration via Internet Web sites.  The Company's acquisition of  IntelliQuest
Communications enables the Company to expand its offering of electronic customer
registration products.
 
    In  connection with  the acquisition, the  Company issued  562,500 shares of
Common Stock in exchange for all of  the outstanding shares of common stock  and
outstanding options and warrants of IntelliQuest Communications. The acquisition
was  accounted for  as a  pooling of  interests and,  accordingly, all financial
information in  this  Prospectus  has  been  restated  to  give  effect  to  the
acquisition.  See "Management's  Discussion and Analysis  of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and  the Consolidated Financial Statements and  Notes
thereto.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Shares Offered by the Company...............................  1,000,000
Shares Offered by the Selling Stockholders..................  1,881,000
Shares Outstanding Immediately After the Offering...........  8,068,708(1)
Use of Proceeds.............................................  For general corporate
                                                              purposes, including working
                                                              capital and potential
                                                              acquisitions of complementary
                                                              businesses, products or
                                                              technologies.
Nasdaq National Market Symbol...............................  IQST
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Based on the number  of shares outstanding as  of August 31, 1996. Excludes
    331,094 shares  of  Common  Stock  issuable upon  the  exercise  of  options
    outstanding as of August 31, 1996.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       JUNE 30,
                                                  -----------------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                                    1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues:
    Renewable subscription-based products.......  $     555  $   1,120  $   2,055  $   6,157  $   8,064  $   2,216  $   3,234
    Renewable proprietary products..............         --      1,118      2,055      4,185      8,120      3,150      3,915
    Proprietary project research................      1,650      1,684      2,039      3,647      2,930      1,653      1,617
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
      Total revenues............................      2,205      3,922      6,149     13,989     19,114      7,019      8,766
  Operating income (loss).......................       (149)      (196)      (916)      (274)     1,140        184        279
  Net income (loss).............................       (148)      (200)      (935)      (289)       565         46        381
Pro forma information:
  Net income per share (1)......................                                              $    0.10  $    0.01  $    0.06
  Weighted average number of common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding (1)............                                                  5,526      5,512      6,482
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                          --------------------------
                                                                                           ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED (2)
                                                                                          ---------  ---------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital.......................................................................  $  27,620     $  51,468
  Total assets..........................................................................     35,520        59,368
  Total debt............................................................................     --            --
  Common stockholders' equity...........................................................     29,648        53,496
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Pro  forma  information  assumed  conversion  of  the  Company's redeemable
    convertible preferred stock into  1,853,046 shares of  Common Stock and  the
    exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase 264,480 shares of Common Stock,
    which  conversion  and exercise  occurred in  connection with  the Company's
    initial public offering in March 1996. See Note 3 to Consolidated  Financial
    Statements.
 
(2)  As adjusted to  give effect to the  sale of the  1,000,000 shares of Common
    Stock offered by the Company hereby  at an assumed public offering price  of
    $25.50  per share  and the  application of the  net proceeds  to the Company
    therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
   
    The Company's preliminary  results for  the third  quarter of  1996 are  set
forth in the table below.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                             --------------------
                                                                                               1995       1996
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                          <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based products....................................................  $   4,068  $   4,640
  Renewable proprietary products...........................................................      2,137      3,273
  Proprietary project research.............................................................        647      1,123
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
    Total revenues.........................................................................      6,852      9,036
Operating income...........................................................................        644      1,302
Net income.................................................................................        348      1,060
Pro forma and actual information:
  Net income per share (1).................................................................  $     .06  $     .14
  Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (1)...........      5,540      7,228
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1)  Pro  forma  information  assumed  conversion  of  the  Company's redeemable
     convertible preferred stock into 1,853,046  shares of Common Stock and  the
     exercise  of  outstanding warrants  to  purchase 264,480  shares  of Common
     Stock, which  conversion  and  exercise occurred  in  connection  with  the
     Company's initial public offering in March 1996.
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                                  *    *    *    *
 
    The  Company was  founded in  1985 and  reincorporated in  Delaware in March
1996. The principal office of  the Company is located  at 1250 Capital of  Texas
Highway  South,  Building Two,  Plaza One,  Austin,  Texas 78746;  its telephone
number  is  (512)  329-0808   and  its  World  Wide   Web  address  is   http://
www.intelliquest.com.  Information contained in the Company's Web site shall not
be deemed to be a part of this Prospectus. As used in this Prospectus, the terms
"IntelliQuest" and the "Company" refer to IntelliQuest Information Group,  Inc.,
a   Delaware  corporation,  its   predecessor,  its  subsidiaries,  IntelliQuest
Communications,  Inc.,  a  Georgia  corporation  (formerly  known  as   Pipeline
Communications,  Inc.),  and IntelliQuest,  Inc., a  Texas corporation,  and the
latter's sole subsidiary, IntelliQuest, Ltd., a U.K. corporation.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    IN  ADDITION  TO THE  OTHER INFORMATION  IN  THIS PROSPECTUS,  THE FOLLOWING
FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES
OF  COMMON  STOCK  OFFERED  HEREBY.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  CONTAINS  FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS   WHICH  INVOLVE   RISKS  AND   UNCERTAINTIES.  SUCH  FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS REGARDING
ITS FUTURE  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND OPERATING  RESULTS,  PRODUCT  DEVELOPMENT,
BUSINESS AND GROWTH STRATEGY, MARKET CONDITIONS AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT. THE
COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THESE
FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF  CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE SET
FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
    RELIANCE ON KEY CUSTOMERS; TECHNOLOGY  INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION.  The  Company
has  relied  on  a limited  number  of key  customers  for the  majority  of its
revenues. The Company's 10  largest customers in 1994  and 1995 generated  63.7%
and  60.5%, respectively, of the Company's revenues in each of those periods. In
1995, the Company's two largest customers, Microsoft and IBM, each accounted for
10% or  more of  the Company's  revenues  and together  accounted for  25.6%  of
revenues. The Company expects that these two customers will each account for 10%
or  more  of  revenues in  1996  as  well. Substantially  all  of  the Company's
subscriptions and customer contracts are renewable annually at the option of the
Company's customers,  although no  obligation  to renew  exists and  a  customer
generally  has no minimum purchase commitments thereunder. In addition, there is
significant consolidation of  companies in the  technology industries served  by
the  Company, a  trend which the  Company believes  will continue. Consolidation
among the  Company's top  customers could  adversely affect  aggregate  customer
budgets for the Company's products and services. No assurances can be given that
the  Company will maintain its existing customer base or that it will be able to
attract new customers. The loss of one or more of the Company's large  customers
or  a significant reduction  in business from such  customers, regardless of the
reason, would have a  material adverse effect on  the Company. See "Business  --
Customers" and "-- Sales and Marketing."
 
    DEPENDENCE  ON SUBSCRIPTION  AND CONTRACT RENEWALS.   In 1995,  84.7% of the
Company's revenues were  derived from subscriptions  to the Company's  renewable
subscription-based  products and  contracts for  renewable proprietary products.
The Company expects that a material portion of its revenues for the  foreseeable
future  will  continue  to be  derived  from such  subscriptions  and contracts.
Substantially all  such  subscriptions  and  customer  contracts  are  renewable
annually  at the  option of the  Company's customers, although  no obligation to
renew exists  and  a customer  generally  has no  minimum  purchase  commitments
thereunder.  To the extent that customers fail  to renew or defer their renewals
from the quarter anticipated by the Company, the Company's quarterly results may
be materially adversely affected.  The Company's ability  to secure renewals  is
dependent   upon,  among  other  things,  its  ability  to  deliver  consistent,
high-quality and timely  data. In  addition, the marketing  and market  research
activities  of the Company's customers are dependent  on the timing of their new
product  introductions,  size  of  marketing  budgets,  operating   performance,
industry  and economic conditions  and changes in management  or ownership. As a
result of such factors, there can be no assurance that the Company will be  able
to maintain its historically high renewal rates. Any material decline in renewal
rates  from such levels  would have a  material adverse effect  on the Company's
operating results.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business -- Sales and Marketing."
 
    FLUCTUATIONS  IN OPERATING  RESULTS; SEASONALITY.   The  Company's operating
results in any  particular fiscal period  have fluctuated in  the past and  will
likely   fluctuate  significantly  in   the  future  due   to  various  factors.
Substantially all revenues and expenses  attributable to the Company's  Computer
Industry  Media Study ("CIMS") product for a particular year are recognized when
the final study is usually completed and delivered, usually in the third quarter
of that  year. Delay  in delivering  the final  study in  any given  year  could
postpone  recognition of such revenues and  expenses until the fourth quarter of
such year, which would  materially affect operating results  for such third  and
fourth  quarters. Furthermore, all costs related to CIMS are included in cost of
revenues and  none are  allocated to  sales, general  and administrative  costs,
which tends to reduce the Company's third
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
   
quarter  gross  margin  below that  of  other  quarters. Many  of  the Company's
customers operate in industry segments  that are becoming increasingly  seasonal
as technology vendors have increased their focus on consumer markets, with sales
in  the fourth  calendar quarter  constituting a  growing portion  of the annual
sales of  such  customers. This  may  translate  into seasonal  demand  for  the
Company's   products,  particularly  the   customer  registration  products.  In
addition, the Company's operating results may fluctuate as a result of a variety
of other factors, including  the timing of orders  from customers, the size  and
timing  of orders for customer registration products, response rates on customer
registration products, delays in development  and customer acceptance of  custom
software  applications, product  or panel  development expenses,  new product or
service introductions or announcements by the Company or its competitors, levels
of market acceptance for new products  and services, the hiring and training  of
additional  staff and  customer demand for  market research, as  well as general
economic conditions. Because a significant portion of the Company's overhead  is
fixed in the short term and because spending commitments must be made in advance
of  revenue commitments by customers, the Company's results of operations may be
materially adversely affected in any  particular quarter if revenues fall  below
the  Company's expectations. These factors, among others, make it likely that in
some  future  quarter  the  Company's   operating  results  may  be  below   the
expectations  of securities analysts and investors,  which would have a material
adverse effect on the market price of the Company's Common Stock. The  Company's
complete  operating results for the third quarter  of 1996 are not yet available
and there can be no assurance that  these results will meet the expectations  of
securities  analysts. Any failure to do so  could have a material adverse effect
on the market price of the Company's Common Stock. See "Management's  Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
    COMPETITION.   Overall,  the technology-focused market  research industry is
highly  competitive.  The  Company  has  traditionally  competed  directly  with
relatively  small,  local  providers of  survey-based  technology-focused market
research. The  Company also  competes  directly with  third party  providers  of
customer  registration software  (such as  KAO Infosystems  Company) as  well as
vendors' own customer registration software.  In addition, the Company  competes
indirectly  with significant providers  of (i) analyst-based, technology-focused
market research (such  as Gartner Group,  Inc., META Group,  Inc. and  Forrester
Research,  Inc.);  (ii)  survey-based,  general market  research  (such  as A.C.
Nielsen Company,  NFO Research,  Inc., Information  Resources Inc.  and The  NPD
Group,  Inc.); and  (iii) analyst-based,  general business  consulting. Although
only  a  few   of  these   competitors  have  to   date  offered   survey-based,
technology-focused  market research  that competes  directly with  the Company's
products and  services, many  of these  competitors have  substantially  greater
financial,  information gathering and  marketing resources than  the Company and
could decide to  increase their  resource commitments to  the Company's  market.
Moreover,  each  of  these  companies  currently  competes  indirectly,  if  not
directly, for  funds available  within aggregate  industry-wide market  research
budgets.  There are  few barriers  to entry into  the Company's  market, and the
Company expects increased competition in  one or more market segments  addressed
by  the Company,  which could adversely  affect the  Company's operating results
through pricing pressure, required increased marketing expenditures and loss  of
market  share, among other factors.  There can be no  assurance that the Company
will continue to compete successfully  against existing or new competitors.  See
"Business -- Competition."
 
    RAPID  TECHNOLOGICAL  CHANGE AND  NEW PRODUCT  INTRODUCTION.   The Company's
customers compete  in markets  characterized by  rapid, continual  technological
change. The Company's success will depend in part upon its ability to anticipate
and  keep pace  with rapidly  changing technology  and to  add new  products and
services which  address the  increasingly  sophisticated, rapidly  changing  and
demanding  needs  of  its customers  and  their evolving  market  strategies. In
particular, the  Company  is  expending significant  resources  to  develop  its
proprietary  customer registration products to  take advantage of certain market
opportunities. However,  such software  products may  contain defects  following
customization  or when new  versions are released;  the Company has  in the past
discovered software defects in certain of its products and may experience delays
or lost  revenue  to  correct such  defects  in  the future.  In  addition,  the
significant  growth in the use of the World  Wide Web (the "Web") portion of the
Internet has  created the  opportunity to  use the  Internet as  an  information
transmission medium. Accordingly,
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
the  Company  is  expending  significant  resources  to  develop  Internet-based
information collection  tools. There  can  be no  assurance, however,  that  the
Company will be successful in developing and marketing, on a timely basis, these
or other new or improved products and services that adequately and competitively
address  the  needs  of the  marketplace.  Any  failure to  continue  to provide
insightful and timely data in a manner that meets rapidly changing market  needs
could  materially and adversely  affect the Company's  future operating results.
See "Business  --  Products  and  Services"  and  "--  Product  Development  and
Technology."
 
    DATA  COLLECTION  RISKS.   The Company  currently collects  information both
telephonically and electronically.  In addition,  certain of  the Company's  new
products  and services  involve the  use of  the Internet  and commercial online
services to  gather  information from  end  users  for processing  and  sale  to
customers of the Company. A number of legislative initiatives exist domestically
and abroad that seek to regulate the telephonic or electronic collection of data
about  persons.  In addition,  an  increasing number  of  court cases  have been
brought seeking damages  and injunctive relief  for actions allegedly  violating
so-called  "rights of privacy."  The law in  this area, both  statutory and case
law, is highly unsettled. No assurance can be given, therefore, that the Company
will be allowed  to continue  to pursue existing  or proposed  new products  and
services.  In addition,  the Company's  ability to  provide timely  and accurate
market research  to  its customers  depends  on  its ability  to  collect  large
quantities  of  high quality  data  through interviews,  customer registrations,
product satisfaction questionnaires and certain other surveys. If receptivity to
the Company's customer registration, interview and survey methods by respondents
declines, or for  some other  reason their  willingness to  complete and  return
surveys, registrations, or other information declines, or if the Company for any
reason cannot rely on the integrity of the data it receives, it would reduce the
quantity  and/or quality of the data the  Company seeks to disseminate and would
have a material adverse effect on the  Company's ability to market and sell  its
market  research products  and on  its results  of operations.  See "Business --
Products and Services."
 
    RISKS RELATED  TO CIMS.   CIMS  is one  of the  leading databases  of  media
readership  and  viewership habits  of  both business  and  household technology
purchase influencers in  the United  States. Because many  advertisers use  CIMS
data  as a key component in their  media buying decisions and because many media
companies use CIMS data to promote their media properties, such data can have  a
significant  impact on advertiser demand for,  and advertising rates charged by,
such media properties. In the past, it has not been unusual for media  companies
with  properties that have not performed well  in the studies to be dissatisfied
with the results of the  studies or the manner in  which such results have  been
used by their competitors. Furthermore, the Company recently revised data from a
study  that  was  inaccurate due  to  software  defects, which  it  remedied and
disclosed to its customers. Although  neither media company dissatisfaction  nor
the  inaccurate study has resulted in  litigation against the Company, there can
be no assurance that the Company will not face future litigation as a result  of
media company dissatisfaction with CIMS or the results thereof.
 
    MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH; POSSIBLE ACQUISITIONS.  Since inception, the Company's
growth   has   placed   significant  demands   on   the   Company's  management,
administrative, operational  and financial  resources. In  order to  manage  its
growth,  the  Company  will  need  to  continue  to  implement  and  improve its
operational, financial  and  management  information  systems  and  continue  to
expand,  motivate and effectively manage an evolving and expanding workforce. If
the  Company's  management   is  unable   to  effectively   manage  under   such
circumstances,  the quality of the Company's products, its ability to retain key
personnel and its results of operations could be materially adversely  affected.
Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the Company's business will continue
to  expand. The  Company's growth could  be adversely affected  by reductions in
customers' spending  on  market  research  or  customer  registration  products,
increased  competition, possible  pricing pressures  and other  general economic
trends.  Although   market  research   expenditures  by   technology   companies
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
have  increased in recent years as such companies have adopted certain marketing
strategies traditionally utilized by consumer goods manufacturers, there can  be
no  assurance that  this trend will  continue or that  technology companies will
continue  to  rely  on  externally-generated  market  research  to  enhance  the
marketing of their products.
 
    The Company hopes to achieve a portion of its future revenue growth, if any,
through  acquisitions  of  complementary businesses,  products  or technologies,
although the Company currently has no commitments or agreements with respect  to
any   such  acquisition.  As  part  of   this  strategy,  the  Company  acquired
IntelliQuest Communications, Inc. ("IntelliQuest Communications," formerly known
as Pipeline  Communications, Inc.)  in May  1996. The  Company's management  has
limited  experience dealing with  the issues of  product, systems, personnel and
business strategy integration  posed by  acquisitions, and no  assurance can  be
given that the integration of the IntelliQuest Communications acquisition or any
possible  future acquisitions will be managed  without a material adverse effect
on the business of the Company. In addition, there can be no assurance that  any
possible  future acquisition will  not dilute the  Company's earnings per share.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
Operations" and "Business -- Growth Strategy."
 
    DEPENDENCE  ON KEY PERSONNEL.  The  Company's future performance will depend
to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of key personnel who have
expertise in developing, interpreting  and selling survey-based information  for
technology  markets. Although customer relationships  are managed at many levels
in the Company, the loss of one or more of IntelliQuest's corporate officers  or
senior  managers could  have an  adverse effect  on the  Company's business. The
Company's success  may also  depend on  its ability  to hire,  train and  retain
skilled  personnel  in  all areas  of  its business.  Competition  for qualified
personnel in the Company's industry is  intense, and many of the companies  with
which  the Company competes  for qualified personnel  have substantially greater
financial and other  resources than  the Company.  Furthermore, competition  for
qualified personnel can be expected to become more intense as competition in the
Company's industry increases. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able  to recruit, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified personnel
to compete successfully.
 
    EXPANSION OF DIRECT  SALES FORCE.   The Company has  historically relied  on
customer  referrals, supplemented  by its  own sales  and marketing  efforts, to
generate the majority of  its revenue growth. Although  the Company has a  small
number of dedicated account representatives, it only recently began to develop a
formal  sales management  structure. As  the Company  develops new  products and
services targeted at broader-based  market segments, it  intends to continue  to
expand its sales force. The Company's plans for future growth may depend in part
on,  among other things, its unproven ability to hire, train, deploy, manage and
retain an increasingly large direct sales force. There can be no assurance  that
the  Company will be able to develop or manage such a sales force. See "Business
- -- Sales and Marketing."
 
    HISTORY OF NET LOSSES;  UNCERTAIN PROFITABILITY.   The Company incurred  net
losses  in each  year from 1991  through 1994  before recording a  net profit in
1995. As  of  December 31,  1995,  the Company  had  an accumulated  deficit  of
approximately  $3.2 million. In  view of the  Company's prior operating history,
there  can  be  no  assurance  that  the  Company  will  be  able  to   maintain
profitability  on a quarterly or annual basis or that it will be able to sustain
or increase its revenue growth  in future periods. See "Management's  Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
    LIMITED  PROTECTION OF  PROPRIETARY SYSTEMS,  SOFTWARE AND  PROCEDURES.  The
Company's success is in part dependent upon its proprietary software technology,
research methods, data analysis techniques, and internal systems and  procedures
that  it  has  developed  specifically  to  serve  customers  in  the technology
industry. The Company has no patents;  consequently, it relies on a  combination
of  copyright,  trademark and  trade secret  laws and  employee and  third party
non-disclosure agreements  to  protect  its proprietary  systems,  software  and
procedures.  There can be  no assurance that  the steps taken  by the Company to
protect its proprietary rights will  be adequate to prevent misappropriation  of
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
such  rights or that  third parties will  not independently develop functionally
equivalent or superior  systems, software  or procedures.  The Company  believes
that  its systems, software  and procedures and other  proprietary rights do not
infringe upon  the  proprietary  rights  of  third  parties.  There  can  be  no
assurance,  however,  that third  parties  will not  assert  infringement claims
against the Company in the future or  that any such claims will not require  the
Company  to  enter into  materially adverse  license  arrangements or  result in
protracted and costly litigation, regardless of  the merits of such claims.  See
"Business -- Intellectual Property and Other Proprietary Rights."
 
    RISKS  ASSOCIATED WITH  INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS.   Revenues attributable to
international market research represented 21.0% and 26.0%, respectively, of  the
Company's  revenues for  1994 and 1995.  The Company expects  that revenues from
international market research will continue to account for a significant portion
of its  revenues and  intends to  continue to  expand its  international  market
research   efforts.  However,   the  Company's   international  data  collection
operations are  subject to  numerous inherent  challenges and  risks,  including
maintenance  of an  international data  collection network  that adheres  to the
Company's quality standards, fluctuations  in exchange rates, foreign  political
and  economic  conditions, tariffs  and  other trade  barriers,  longer accounts
receivable collection  cycles  and  potentially  adverse  tax  consequences.  In
addition,  demand for the Company's international market research depends on the
international sales  and operations  of  its customers,  which may  increase  or
decrease  over time. The addition of  market research coverage in new geographic
territories can be expected to require the commitment of considerable management
and financial  resources  and  may negatively  impact  the  Company's  near-term
results  of operations. Any material decline in the Company's ability to provide
and market timely,  high-quality data  that is  consistent across  international
markets  would  have  a material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  results of
operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
    CONTROL BY  MANAGEMENT.   Holders of  shares  of Common  Stock do  not  have
cumulative  voting  rights,  and therefore  the  holders  of a  majority  of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock are able to elect all of the directors of the
Company. Upon the closing of this offering, the Company's executive officers and
directors, together with  entities affiliated with  them, will beneficially  own
approximately  21.0%  (17.2%  if  the  Underwriters'  over-allotment  option  is
exercised in full) of  the outstanding Common Stock,  including options held  by
them  that are exercisable within 60 days of August 31, 1996. As a result, these
stockholders will  be  able  to  exercise  significant  influence  over  matters
requiring  stockholder  approval, including  the election  of directors  and the
approval  of  significant   corporate  matters   such  as   change  of   control
transactions.  The effects  of such  influence could  be to  delay or  prevent a
change of  control  of  the  Company  unless the  terms  are  approved  by  such
stockholders. See "Management" and "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
 
    UNSPECIFIED  USE  OF PROCEEDS.   The  principal purpose  of the  offering of
shares by the Company is to  increase the Company's equity capital. The  Company
will  not  receive  any  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  shares  by  the  Selling
Stockholders. The Company  expects to use  the net proceeds  from this  offering
primarily  for working  capital and general  corporate purposes.  In addition, a
portion of  the  proceeds may  be  used  for the  acquisition  of  complementary
businesses,  products or technologies, which the  Company evaluates from time to
time. The Company has  no current specific plan  for any significant portion  of
the  proceeds of this offering. As  a consequence, the Company's management will
have discretion over the use of all of the proceeds for the foreseeable  future.
See "Use of Proceeds."
 
    EFFECT  OF ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS.   The Company's  Board of Directors has
the authority  to  issue  up to  1,000,000  shares  of Preferred  Stock  and  to
determine  the price, rights,  conversion ratios, preferences  and privileges of
those shares without any further vote  or action by the Company's  stockholders.
The  rights  of the  holders of  Common Stock  will  be subject  to, and  may be
adversely affected by, the rights, including economic rights, of the holders  of
any shares of Preferred Stock. Any such issuance, while providing flexibility in
connection  with possible acquisitions and  other corporate purposes, could have
the effect of making it more difficult  for a third party to acquire a  majority
of  the outstanding  voting stock  of the  Company. Furthermore,  the Company is
subject to the anti-takeover provisions of  Section 203 of the Delaware  General
Corporation Law that prohibit the Company from
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
engaging  in a  "business combination"  with an  "interested stockholder"  for a
period of three  years after the  date of  the transaction in  which the  person
first  becomes an "interested  stockholder," unless the  business combination is
approved in a  prescribed manner.  The application  of Section  203 and  certain
other  provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation could also have the effect
of delaying  or preventing  a change  of  control of  the Company,  which  could
adversely   affect  the  market  price  of   the  Company's  Common  Stock.  See
"Description of  Capital Stock  -- Anti-Takeover  Effects of  Provisions of  the
Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Delaware Law."
 
    SHARES  ELIGIBLE  FOR  FUTURE  SALES;  REGISTRATION  RIGHTS.    Sales  of  a
substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public market following this
offering could adversely affect the market price for the Company's Common Stock.
The number of shares of Common Stock available for sale in the public market  is
limited  by  restrictions under  the  Securities Act  of  1933, as  amended (the
"Securities Act")  and  lock-up agreements  entered  into by  the  Company,  its
executive  officers and directors  and all Selling  Stockholders under which the
holders of such shares and  options to purchase such  shares have agreed not  to
sell  or otherwise dispose of any of their  shares or options for a period of 90
days after the  date of  this Prospectus without  the prior  written consent  of
William Blair & Company, L.L.C. However, William Blair & Company, L.L.C. may, in
its  sole discretion and at any time  without notice, release all or any portion
of the  securities subject  to such  lock-up agreements.  As a  result of  these
restrictions,  only  the 2,881,000  shares of  Common  Stock offered  hereby and
approximately 2,676,337  additional shares  already outstanding  will be  freely
tradeable  on the date of this Prospectus, unless purchased by affiliates of the
Company. The remaining  2,511,371 shares of  Common Stock held  by the  existing
stockholders  are "restricted securities" for purposes of the Securities Act and
may be sold in the  public market only if registered  or if they qualify for  an
exemption from registration under Rules 144, 144(k) or 701 promulgated under the
Securities  Act. Upon  expiration of the  lock-up agreements  referred to above,
holders of approximately 1,000,686  shares of Common Stock  will be entitled  to
certain  registration rights  with respect to  such shares. If  such holders, by
exercising their  registration rights,  cause a  large number  of shares  to  be
registered  and sold  in the  public market,  such sales  could have  a material
adverse effect on the market price  for the Company's Common Stock. See  "Shares
Eligible for Future Sale."
 
    VOLATILITY  OF STOCK PRICE.  The stock market and the market prices for many
technology  companies,  including   the  Company,   have  recently   experienced
significant  price and volume  fluctuations. These fluctuations  often have been
unrelated to the operating  performance of the  specific companies whose  stocks
are  traded. Broad market fluctuations, as well as economic conditions generally
and in the  technology industry  specifically, may adversely  affect the  market
price  of  the Company's  Common Stock.  In  addition, the  market price  of the
Company's Common Stock could continue to fluctuate significantly in response  to
variations   in  quarterly  operating   results  and  other   factors,  such  as
announcements of new products or services by the Company or its competitors  and
changes  in  financial  estimates  by securities  analysts  or  other  events or
factors. There can be  no assurance that  the market price  of the Common  Stock
will not decline below the public offering price. See "Underwriting."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The  net proceeds to  the Company from  the sale of  the 1,000,000 shares of
Common  Stock  being  offered  by  the  Company  hereby  are  estimated  to   be
approximately  $23.8 million based on an assumed public offering price of $25.50
per share  after  deducting the  underwriting  discount and  estimated  offering
expenses.  The principal purpose of the offering  of shares by the Company is to
increase the  Company's equity  capital.  The Company  expects  to add  the  net
proceeds  from this offering to its general  funds. Such funds will be available
for general  corporate purposes,  including working  capital. A  portion of  the
proceeds  may also be used  to acquire or invest  in complementary businesses or
products or  to obtain  the right  to use  complementary technologies;  however,
there  are no commitments or agreements with respect to any such transactions at
the present time. Pending use  of the net proceeds  for the above purposes,  the
Company   intends  to   invest  such  funds   in  short-term,  interest-bearing,
investment-grade obligations.
 
    The Company will not receive any proceeds  from the sale of Common Stock  by
the Selling Stockholders.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The  Company  has not  paid  cash dividends  on  its Common  Stock  or other
securities. The Company  currently anticipates that  it will retain  all of  its
future  earnings for use in the expansion and operation of its business and does
not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock in the  foreseeable
future.  Furthermore,  the  Company's  existing  credit  facility  prohibits the
Company's payment of dividends on the  Common Stock without either the  lender's
consent  or  the Company's  compliance  with the  terms  of the  credit facility
immediately prior to and  following any such payment.  The terms of such  credit
facility  require the Company to maintain  minimum assets to liabilities ratios,
net worth  amounts, operating  profits  and net  worth  to debt  ratios.  Future
borrowing  agreements may contain similar restrictions. Any future determination
to pay dividends will be at the  discretion of the Company's Board of  Directors
and  will  be  dependent upon  the  Company's results  of  operations, financial
condition, contractual restrictions  and other  factors deemed  relevant by  the
Board of Directors.
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol  "IQST".  The following  table sets  forth, for  the fiscal  year periods
indicated, the high  and low  sale prices  of the  Common Stock  as reported  by
Nasdaq since the Company's initial public offering of Common Stock at $17.00 per
share on March 22, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             HIGH       LOW
                                            -------   -------
          <S>                               <C>       <C>
          1996
            First Quarter (from March 22,
             1996)........................   29        24 7/8
            Second Quarter................   41 3/4    26
            Third Quarter (through
             September 25, 1996)..........   32 3/4    17 3/4
</TABLE>
 
    On  September 25, 1996, there were  approximately 1,000 holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock. The last reported sale price per share of the Common
Stock on September 25, 1996 on the Nasdaq National Market was $25.50.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth  the  total  short-term  debt  and  total
capitalization  of the Company (i)  as of June 30, 1996  and (ii) as adjusted to
reflect the sale  of 1,000,000  shares of Common  Stock offered  by the  Company
hereby  (at  an assumed  public offering  price  of $25.50  per share  and after
deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                        -------------------------
                                                                                         ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
                                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
Total short-term debt.................................................................  $  --        $   --
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
Total long-term debt..................................................................  $  --        $   --
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, par value $.0001 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
   issued and outstanding actual and as adjusted......................................     --            --
  Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 6,997,719
   shares issued and outstanding actual; 7,997,719 shares issued and outstanding as
   adjusted (1)(2)....................................................................          1             1
  Capital in excess of par value......................................................     32,613        56,461
  Deferred compensation...............................................................        (54)          (54)
  Foreign currency translation........................................................          1             1
  Accumulated deficit.................................................................     (2,913)       (2,913)
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
        Total stockholders' equity....................................................     29,648        53,496
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
          Total capitalization........................................................  $  29,648    $   53,496
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
                                                                                        ---------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) As adjusted to reflect the sale of  1,000,000 shares of Common Stock by  the
    Company  at an  assumed public  offering price of  $25.50 per  share and the
    application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
(2) Excludes 298,090 shares subject to options outstanding as of June 30,  1996;
    also  excludes  393,185  shares  available  for  future  issuance  under the
    Company's stock option and stock purchase plans.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following  selected  consolidated  financial  data  should  be  read  in
conjunction  with "Management's  Discussion and Analysis  of Financial Condition
and Results of  Operations," the  consolidated financial  statements, the  notes
thereto  and other financial information  included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
The consolidated statement of operations data  for the years ended December  31,
1993,  1994 and 1995,  and the consolidated  balance sheet data  at December 31,
1994 and 1995 are derived from, and  are qualified by reference to, the  audited
consolidated  financial statements  included elsewhere  in this  Prospectus. The
following selected consolidated  financial data  with respect  to the  Company's
statement  of operations for the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992 and with
respect to the Company's balance sheet at  December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993  are
derived   from  financial  statements  not  included  herein.  The  consolidated
statement of operations data for the six  month periods ended June 30, 1995  and
1996  are derived from the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements
included herein, which  have been prepared  on the same  basis as the  Company's
audited  consolidated financial  statements and,  in the  opinion of management,
contain all  adjustments,  consisting  of  only  normal  recurring  adjustments,
necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for such periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       JUNE 30,
                                                 -----------------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                                   1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based products........  $     555  $   1,120  $   2,055  $   6,157  $   8,064  $   2,216  $   3,234
  Renewable proprietary products...............     --          1,118      2,055      4,185      8,120      3,150      3,915
  Proprietary project research.................      1,650      1,684      2,039      3,647      2,930      1,653      1,617
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total revenues.................................      2,205      3,922      6,149     13,989     19,114      7,019      8,766
Operating expenses:
  Cost of revenues.............................      1,183      2,036      3,372      8,457     10,103      3,267      3,685
  Sales, general and administrative............        930      1,630      2,661      3,996      5,575      2,589      2,792
  Product development..........................        157        387        880      1,545      1,979        838      1,693
  Depreciation and amortization................         84         65        152        265        317        141        317
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Total operating expenses.......................      2,354      4,118      7,065     14,263     17,974      6,835      8,487
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Operating income (loss)........................       (149)      (196)      (916)      (274)     1,140        184        279
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Interest income and other......................          5          6         12         12         49         41        290
Interest expense...............................         (4)       (10)       (32)       (25)       (31)       (38)       (36)
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes..............       (148)      (200)      (936)      (287)     1,158        187        533
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1).......     --         --             (1)         2        593        141        152
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss)..............................  $    (148) $    (200) $    (935) $    (289) $     565  $      46  $     381
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
PRO FORMA INFORMATION:
Net income per share (2).......................                                              $    0.10  $    0.01  $    0.06
Weighted average number of common and common
 equivalent shares outstanding (2).............                                                  5,526      5,512      6,482
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                          -----------------------------------------------------   JUNE 30,
                                                            1991       1992       1993       1994       1995        1996
                                                          ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.........................................  $     210  $    (166) $     924  $   1,214  $   2,018   $  27,620
Total assets............................................        817      1,483      5,661      5,907      8,006      35,520
Total debt..............................................         --        263         --         --         --          --
Common stockholders' equity (deficit)...................        398        198     (2,454)    (1,884)      (946)     29,648
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  The  Company changed  from S  Corporation to  C Corporation  status for tax
     purposes effective  May  1993. Income  taxes  for 1993  are  calculated  on
     earnings  from the effective date  of the change to  a C Corporation to the
     end of that  year. Pro  forma income tax  expense for  the earlier  periods
     would  not be meaningful because of  the Company's operating results and is
     therefore not presented.
 
(2)  Pro forma  information  assumed  conversion  of  the  Company's  redeemable
     convertible  preferred stock into 1,853,046 shares  of Common Stock and the
     exercise of  outstanding  warrants to  purchase  264,480 shares  of  Common
     Stock,  which  conversion  and  exercise occurred  in  connection  with the
     Company's initial public offering in March 1996. See Note 3 to Consolidated
     Financial Statements.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE  FOLLOWING MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS  OF OPERATIONS  CONTAINS TREND  ANALYSIS AND  OTHER  FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS REGARDING ITS FUTURE
FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND  OPERATING RESULTS,  PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT,  BUSINESS AND
GROWTH STRATEGY, MARKET  CONDITIONS AND COMPETITIVE  ENVIRONMENT. THE  COMPANY'S
ACTUAL   RESULTS  COULD  DIFFER   MATERIALLY  FROM  THOSE   ANTICIPATED  IN  THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AS A RESULT  OF CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE  SET
FORTH UNDER "RISK FACTORS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
OVERVIEW
 
    IntelliQuest  is a leading provider of quantitative marketing information to
technology companies.  The Company  also  licenses custom  proprietary  software
applications  and associated  services to technology  manufacturers for customer
registration. In 1995, approximately 42% of the Company's revenues were  derived
from  the sale  of renewable subscription-based  products, 43% from  the sale of
renewable proprietary  products and  15% from  the sale  of proprietary  project
research. See "Business -- Products and Services."
 
    The  Company was founded in 1985 to provide fee-for-service project research
on United  States technology  markets. Prior  to 1991,  the Company  focused  on
conducting proprietary research for a limited number of technology companies. In
order  to better leverage its expertise, expand its customer base and capitalize
on the growing need for international market research, the Company in 1991 began
to increase its  focus on providing  renewable subscription-based and  renewable
proprietary  products  and on  expanding its  research  coverage to  include key
international technology markets. In May 1996, the Company acquired IntelliQuest
Communications, Inc. ("IntelliQuest Communications," formerly known as  Pipeline
Communications,  Inc.), a  leading provider of  electronic customer registration
services. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests; as  such,
the  Company's results of operations for all periods and financial condition for
all dates disclosed herein have been  restated to include those of  IntelliQuest
Communications.   Due  primarily   to  the   Company's  strategic   decision  to
substantially  increase  its  emphasis  on  worldwide  renewable  products   and
services,  and to a  lesser extent to the  Company's acquisition of IntelliQuest
Communications, the Company's total revenues increased from $2.2 million in 1991
to $19.1 million in 1995. Revenues  from renewable products increased from  $0.6
million  in 1991, or 25.2% of total revenues, to $16.2 million in 1995, or 84.7%
of total  revenues.  Revenues  from international  market  research,  which  the
Company  first introduced  in 1991, grew  to $5.0  million in 1995,  or 26.0% of
total revenues. Overall, the number of customers for the Company's products  and
services increased from 52 in 1991 to 130 in 1995.
 
    The  Company's  renewable  subscription-based product  revenues  are derived
substantially from  two product  lines: IntelliTrack  IQ and  Computer  Industry
Media  Study ("CIMS"). Over  80 technology companies  and publishers that target
technology purchasers subscribe to IntelliTrack IQ and/or CIMS. IntelliTrack  IQ
is   a  collection  of  16  distinct  product  modules  covering  a  variety  of
technologies and geographic  markets. Payments for  an IntelliTrack IQ  contract
are  generally made  in advance  of the  subscription period  or on  a quarterly
basis, and revenues  are recognized pro  rata over the  period of the  contract.
CIMS  is an annual study  that measures the readership  and viewership habits of
technology purchase influencers. CIMS subscribers  generally pay 50% in  advance
and  50% upon delivery of  the final study. Substantially  all CIMS revenues and
related costs are recognized upon delivery  of the final study, which  typically
occurs in the third quarter.
 
    The  Company's renewable  proprietary product revenues  typically consist of
revenues from  proprietary  recurring tracking  studies,  customer  registration
products  and the  IntelliQuest Brand Tech  Forum conference  (the "Forum"). The
proprietary  recurring  tracking  studies,  which  provide  the  customer   with
longitudinal  information  for  tracking designated  metrics  over  a continuous
period of time, are furnished pursuant to contracts that are generally renewable
annually. These  products are  typically  billed 50%  in  advance and  50%  upon
completion  of the contract period, and  revenues are recognized on a percentage
of completion  basis.  Revenues  from the  customer  registration  products  are
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
derived  from a variety of  sources, including proprietary customer registration
products and proprietary customer  satisfaction products. Customer  registration
revenues  include design fees, data medium  sales, processing fees and reporting
fees. Various payment terms are used by customer registration clients, including
50% in  advance  and  50%  upon delivery,  periodic  units  shipped/  processed,
percentage  of completion  and advance  deposits. Revenues  are recognized  on a
percentage of completion and actual units shipped/processed basis.  Sponsorships
and  conference fees  for the  Forum, which  is attended  by technology industry
marketing professionals and which addresses  issues such as managing  technology
brands  in the marketplace, are paid in advance of the event. Revenues and costs
associated with the Forum are recorded in the month of the conference.
 
    Traditional proprietary project research provides customized information  to
customers  utilizing a  variety of  proprietary models,  research techniques and
data collection methods and typically lasts  three or four months from start  to
completion. The Company is increasingly emphasizing proprietary project research
based  on the IntelliQuest Technology Panel, which  is both more timely and less
costly than traditional proprietary project research and also allows the Company
to leverage a fixed investment in panel recruitment over several projects.  Most
proprietary projects are billed 50% in advance and 50% upon delivery. Revenue is
recognized on a percentage of completion basis.
 
    The  Company's  exposure  to  foreign currency  rate  fluctuations  has been
relatively low. First, the Company generally requires payment from its customers
in U.S. dollars. Second, the Company controls vendor foreign currency risk  both
through  contractual clauses requiring vendors to  reimburse the Company for any
losses on  contracts caused  by exchange  rate fluctuations  and by  locking  in
forward currency contracts for vendor purchases and data collection costs. These
forward  contracts substantially  eliminate the  Company's exposure  to exchange
rate fluctuation risk by giving the  Company the right to purchase the  required
amount  of foreign  currency at  the exchange  rate prevailing  at the  time the
contract is entered into  rather than at  the time the payments  are due. As  of
August  31, 1996, the Company  had entered into open  forward contracts for U.S.
dollar/British  pound   sterling  transactions   with   a  notional   value   of
approximately $670,000.
 
    In  recent years, the Company has focused on increasing operating margins by
leveraging fixed overhead costs and investments in new products and  proprietary
processes.  Each subscription-based product  has a fixed  annual cost associated
with data collection and product development, with only nominal costs associated
with adding  incremental subscribers.  The customer  registration products  also
have  fixed  overhead components,  although  a significant  increase  in product
registration revenues could actually decrease the Company's overall gross margin
(due to the high  level of direct costs  associated with product  registration).
The  Company's objective is  to offset such gross  margin pressure by leveraging
product shipment and processing  fees and other  operating expenses required  to
support the customer registration programs.
 
    In  March 1996, the Company completed its initial public offering at a price
of $17.00 per  share, which resulted  in net  proceeds to the  Company of  $25.8
million. Upon the closing of the initial public offering, each outstanding share
of  the Company's Series  A and Series B  Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
was automatically converted into one share of Common Stock.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following  table sets  forth, for  the periods  indicated,  consolidated
statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of total revenues and the
percentage change in such items versus the prior comparable period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PERCENT OF TOTAL REVENUE                          PERCENT INCREASE
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------          (DECREASE)
                                                                                                 --------------------------
                                     FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                JUNE 30,         FISCAL 1994   FISCAL 1995
                                  -------------------------------------  ----------------------  OVER FISCAL   OVER FISCAL
                                     1993         1994         1995         1995        1996         1993          1994
                                  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based
   products.....................       33.4%        44.0%        42.2%        31.6%       36.9%       199.6%         31.0%
  Renewable proprietary
   products.....................       33.4         29.9         42.5         44.9        44.7        103.6          94.0
  Proprietary project
   research.....................       33.2         26.1         15.3         23.5        18.4         78.9         (19.7)
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
Total revenues..................      100.0        100.0        100.0        100.0       100.0        127.5          36.6
Operating expenses:
  Cost of revenues..............       54.8         60.5         52.9         46.6        42.0        150.8          19.5
  Sales, general and
   administrative...............       43.3         28.6         29.2         36.9        31.9         50.2          39.5
  Product development...........       14.3         11.0         10.3         11.9        19.3         75.6          28.1
  Depreciation and
   amortization.................        2.5          1.9          1.6          2.0         3.6         74.3          19.6
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
Total operating expenses........      114.9        102.0         94.0         97.4        96.8        101.9          26.0
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
Operating income (loss).........      (14.9)        (2.0)         6.0          2.6         3.2        *             *
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
  Interest income and other.....        0.2          0.1          0.3          0.6         3.3        *             *
  Interest expense..............       (0.5)        (0.2)        (0.2)        (0.5)       (0.4)       *             *
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
Income (loss) before income
 taxes..........................      (15.2)        (2.1)         6.1          2.7         6.1        *             *
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes..........................        0.0          0.0          3.1          2.0         1.7        *             *
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
Net income (loss)...............      (15.2)%       (2.1)%        3.0%         0.7%        4.4%       *             *
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
                                      -----        -----        -----    ----------  ----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                   SIX MONTHS
                                    1996 OVER
                                   SIX MONTHS
                                      1995
                                  -------------
<S>                               <C>
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based
   products.....................        45.9%
  Renewable proprietary
   products.....................        24.3
  Proprietary project
   research.....................        (2.2)
Total revenues..................        24.9
Operating expenses:
  Cost of revenues..............        12.8
  Sales, general and
   administrative...............         7.8
  Product development...........       102.0
  Depreciation and
   amortization.................       124.8
Total operating expenses........        24.2
Operating income (loss).........        51.6
  Interest income and other.....        *
  Interest expense..............        *
Income (loss) before income
 taxes..........................        *
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes..........................        *
Net income (loss)...............        *
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
* Comparison not meaningful.
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND JUNE 30, 1995
 
    TOTAL  REVENUES.  Total revenues increased 24.9%  in the first six months of
1996 to $8.8 million from $7.0 million in the first six months of 1995. Revenues
from subscription-based products increased  45.9% to $3.2  million in the  first
six  months of 1996  from $2.2 million  in the first  six months of  1995 due to
several factors,  including more  timely  contract closure  and an  increase  in
subscriptions.  Subscription-based  revenues from  CIMS  are deferred  until the
actual release date, which generally occurs in the third quarter. Revenues  from
renewable  proprietary products increased 24.3% to $3.9 million in the first six
months of 1996 from $3.2 million in  the first six months of 1995 due  primarily
to  increased sales of customer registration products. Revenues from proprietary
project research decreased 2.2% to $1.6 million in the first six months of  1996
from  $1.7 million in the first six months of 1995. While the number of projects
has increased, more projects have been performed utilizing the Technology Panel,
which is  a  more  cost  efficient  method  of  performing  proprietary  project
research. Revenues attributable to international market research increased 50.0%
to  $3.0 million in the first six months  of 1996 from $2.0 million in the first
six months of 1995.
 
    COST OF  REVENUES.    Cost  of  revenues  are  primarily  composed  of  data
collection,  labor charges,  telecommunication charges and  other costs directly
attributable to products or projects. Cost  of revenues increased 12.8% to  $3.7
million  in the  first six  months of 1996  from $3.3  million in  the first six
months of 1995. Cost of revenues decreased as a percentage of total revenues  to
42.0%  in the first  six months of  1996 from 46.6%  in the first  six months of
1995. The decrease in cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenues was due
primarily  to   leveraging   of   relatively   fixed   annual   investments   in
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
subscription-based  products over increased  subscription-based revenues, and to
decreased costs of international data  collection resulting from the opening  of
the Company's data collection facility in the U.K.
 
    SALES,   GENERAL   AND  ADMINISTRATIVE   EXPENSES.     Sales,   general  and
administrative  expenses  consist  primarily   of  personnel  and  other   costs
associated  with sales, marketing, administration, finance, information systems,
human resources  and  general  management.  Sales,  general  and  administrative
expenses  increased 7.8% to $2.8  million for the first  six months of 1996 from
$2.6 million  for the  first six  months of  1995. This  aggregate increase  was
primarily  due to administrative  and investor relations  expenses following the
Company's initial public offering in March 1996, transaction expenses associated
with the  acquisition of  IntelliQuest  Communications in  May 1996  (which  was
accounted  for as a pooling of interests),  expansion of the Company's sales and
marketing departments  and the  opening of  the U.K.  data collection  facility.
Sales,  general and administrative  expenses decreased as  a percentage of total
revenues to 31.9% for the first six months of 1996 from 36.9% for the first  six
months of 1995. This decrease as a percentage of total revenue was primarily due
to the Company's ability to leverage its fixed costs over a higher revenue base.
 
    PRODUCT  DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES.  Product development expenses are composed of
resources, primarily labor,  dedicated to  the development of  new products  and
proprietary  processes. Product  development expenses  increased 102.0%  to $1.7
million in the  first six  months of  1996 from $0.8  million in  the first  six
months  of 1995. Product development expenses increased as a percentage of total
revenues to 19.3% in the  first six months of 1996  from 11.9% in the first  six
months  of 1995. These increases were primarily due to the Company's development
of new Internet-related products.
 
    DEPRECIATION  AND  AMORTIZATION.    Depreciation  and  amortization  expense
increased  124.8% to $317,000 in  the first six months  of 1996 from $141,000 in
the first six months of  1995. This increase was  due primarily to a  relatively
high level of capital equipment acquisitions during the first six months of 1996
to   equip  two  new   data  collection  facilities   and  install  Company-wide
standardized computer platforms, networks and software to enable more  efficient
data communications.
 
    INCOME  TAXES.  The  Company's effective income  tax rate was  28.5% for the
first six months of 1996. This rate is below the Company's combined federal  and
state  income  tax rate  because most  of  the net  proceeds from  the Company's
initial public offering  in March  1996 were invested  in tax-free  investments.
This  reduction  was partially  offset  by the  fact  that the  Company  did not
recognize any income  tax benefit resulting  from the net  loss of  IntelliQuest
Communications. For the first six months of 1995, the Company's effective income
tax  rate was 75.4% because the Company did not recognize any income tax benefit
resulting from IntelliQuest Communications' net loss.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
    TOTAL REVENUES.   Total revenues increased  36.6% in 1995  to $19.1  million
from  $14.0 million in 1994. Revenues from renewable subscription-based products
increased 31.0% to $8.1 million in 1995 from $6.2 million in 1994 due  primarily
to  the increased number of subscribers, the  higher number of products sold per
subscriber and  revenues  related  to new  international  markets  covered.  The
dollar-weighted renewal rate for renewable subscription-based products was 90.0%
in  1995. Revenues from  renewable proprietary products  increased 94.0% to $8.1
million in 1995 from $4.2  million in 1994 due  primarily to increased sales  of
customer  registration  products  and  to  increased  demand  for  international
proprietary  tracking  products.  Revenues  from  proprietary  project  research
decreased 19.7% to $2.9 million in 1995 from $3.6 million in 1994, due primarily
to   the  Company's   continuing  emphasis   on  renewable   products.  Revenues
attributable to international market research increased 68.9% to $5.0 million in
1995 from $2.9 million in 1994.
 
    COST OF REVENUES.  Cost of revenues increased 19.5% to $10.1 million in 1995
from $8.5  million  in 1994.  Cost  of revenues  decreased  as a  percentage  of
revenues  to 52.9% in 1995 from 60.5% in  1994. The decrease in cost of revenues
as  a  percentage  of  revenues  reflects  the  Company's  efforts  to  leverage
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
its  fixed labor costs  through its investments in  new products and proprietary
processes.  The  Company's  development  and  expansion  of   subscription-based
products  allow the Company to sell  substantially similar products to a greater
number of clients, thus increasing revenues without similarly increasing cost of
revenues. For example, the 1995 release of  CIMS did not require the same  level
of  investment per customer as the  1994 release, resulting in improved margins.
Similarly, IntelliTrack's  cost of  revenues as  a percentage  of revenues  were
lower  in 1995 than in  1994 (when the Company  expanded IntelliTrack to cover a
number of international markets). Furthermore, the Company's improvements in its
proprietary   processes   (including   more   consistently   applied    research
methodologies  and faster and more accurate data processing) reduce the costs of
research and data processing.
 
    SALES,  GENERAL   AND  ADMINISTRATIVE   EXPENSES.     Sales,   general   and
administrative  expenses  increased  39.5% to  $5.6  million in  1995  from $4.0
million in 1994 but remained relatively constant as a percentage of revenues  at
29.2%  and  28.6% in  1995 and  1994, respectively.  The aggregate  increase was
primarily due to  increases in  salaries and  benefits as  well as  IntelliQuest
Communications'   advertising   costs   and  legal   expenses   associated  with
finalization of certain employee and vendor contracts. In addition, the  Company
incurred  sales, general  and administrative expenses  in the  fourth quarter of
1995 of $68,000 to open its London and College Station, Texas offices.
 
    PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES.  Product development expenses increased  28.1%
to  $2.0 million in 1995 from $1.5 million in 1994 but decreased as a percentage
of revenues to  10.3% in 1995  from 11.0% in  1994, respectively. The  aggregate
increase  was  due to  the  Company's efforts  to  expand the  Technology Panel,
streamline  proprietary   software  and   enabling  technologies   and   provide
technological advancements to customers.
 
    DEPRECIATION  AND  AMORTIZATION.    Depreciation  and  amortization  expense
increased 19.6% to  $317,000 in 1995  from $265,000 in  1994. This increase  was
principally  due to computer  equipment purchases to  improve communications and
data processing systems  required to support  business growth and  international
expansion.
 
    INCOME TAXES.  The Company's effective tax rate was 51.2% for 1995. The rate
was  in excess  of the  combined federal and  state statutory  rates because the
Company did not recognize any income tax benefit resulting from the net loss  of
IntelliQuest  Communications. The provision for income  taxes of $2,000 for 1994
resulted principally from not  recognizing any income tax  benefit for the  1994
net loss of IntelliQuest Communications.
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    TOTAL  REVENUES.  Total  revenues increased 127.5% in  1994 to $14.0 million
from $6.1 million in 1993.  Revenues from renewable subscription-based  products
increased 199.6% to $6.2 million in 1994 from $2.1 million in 1993 primarily due
to  the introduction  of CIMS  and sales  of international  IntelliTrack modules
introduced in  1993.  Revenues  from renewable  proprietary  products  increased
103.6%  to  $4.2 million  in 1994  from $2.1  million in  1993 primarily  due to
increased  sales  of  customer  registration  software,  increased  demand   for
international  proprietary  tracking  products  and  completion  of IntelliQuest
Communications' first full year of  business. Revenues from proprietary  project
research  increased 78.9%  to $3.6  million in 1994  from $2.0  million in 1993,
primarily due to increased demand for international market research and revenues
generated by IntelliQuest Communications during its first full year of business.
Revenues based on  international research  increased 368.7% to  $2.9 million  in
1994 from $626,000 in 1993.
 
    COST OF REVENUES.  Cost of revenues increased 150.8% to $8.5 million in 1994
from $3.4 million in 1993, primarily due to the increase in international market
research,  which  is  generally more  expensive  and difficult  to  conduct than
domestic  research  and  to  the   increased  level  of  expenses  incurred   by
IntelliQuest  Communications during its first full  year of business. Total cost
of revenues increased as a percentage of revenues to 60.5% in 1994 from 54.8% in
1993, due, in part, to  the Company's 1994 introduction  of CIMS, for which  the
required   initial  investment  resulted  in   the  product's  first-year  costs
approximately equalling its revenues.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    SALES,  GENERAL   AND  ADMINISTRATIVE   EXPENSES.     Sales,   general   and
administrative  expenses  increased  50.2% to  $4.0  million in  1994  from $2.7
million in 1993. These expenses declined as a percentage of revenues to 28.6% in
1994 from 43.3% in 1993. This decline was due to improved fixed cost  absorption
of sales, general and administrative expenses.
 
    PRODUCT  DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES.  Product development expenses increased 75.6%
to $1.5 million in 1994 from $880,000  in 1993 and decreased as a percentage  of
revenues  to 11.0% in 1994 from 14.3% in 1993. The increase in dollars spent was
primarily due to the expansion of the Company's efforts to begin developing  the
Technology  Panel,  proprietary  software  and  technological  advancements  for
customers.
 
    DEPRECIATION  AND  AMORTIZATION.    Depreciation  and  amortization  expense
increased  74.3% to $265,000  in 1994 from  $152,000 in 1993.  This increase was
principally due to purchases of telecommunications, computer and data collection
equipment.
 
    INCOME TAXES.  The  provision for income taxes  of $2,000 for 1994  resulted
principally from not recognizing any income tax benefit for the 1994 net loss of
IntelliQuest  Communications. In  1993, the  Company realized  a net  income tax
benefit of $1,000. This  benefit was the result  of the Company recognizing  the
benefits  of a net operating loss in the amount of $328,000 and other changes in
the composition of its deferred tax balances, offset by the Company  recognizing
a  net deferred tax liability of $148,000 in  May 1993 upon its change from an S
corporation to a C corporation for tax purposes.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
 
    The  following  tables  set   forth  unaudited  consolidated  statement   of
operations  data for each of the eight  quarters in the period beginning July 1,
1994 and ending June 30, 1996, as well as the percentage of the Company's  total
revenues  represented  by each  item.  In management's  opinion,  this unaudited
information has  been prepared  on the  same basis  as the  annual  consolidated
financial  statements and  includes all  adjustments (consisting  only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information  for
the quarters presented, when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements  and  notes  thereto  included  elsewhere  in  this  Prospectus.  The
operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results  for
any future period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           QUARTER ENDED
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,    MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,    SEPT.     DEC. 31,   MARCH 31,   JUNE 30,
                                       1994        1994        1995        1995     30, 1995     1995       1996        1996
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
 OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based
   products........................  $ 3,067     $   915     $   789     $ 1,427    $ 4,068    $ 1,780    $ 1,661     $ 1,573
  Renewable proprietary products...    1,494       1,562       1,660       1,490      2,137      2,833      1,993       1,922
  Proprietary project research.....    1,019         715         946         707        647        630        445       1,172
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Total revenues.....................    5,580       3,192       3,395       3,624      6,852      5,243      4,099       4,667
Operating expenses:
  Cost of revenues.................    4,076       1,613       1,594       1,673      4,215      2,621      1,822       1,863
  Sales, general and
   administrative..................    1,076       1,060       1,277       1,312      1,455      1,531      1,362       1,430
  Product development..............      462         338         384         454        451        690        608       1,085
  Depreciation and amortization....       75          77          61          80         87         89        147         170
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Total operating expenses...........    5,689       3,088       3,316       3,519      6,208      4,931      3,939       4,548
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Operating income (loss)............    (109)         104          79         105        644        312        160         119
  Interest income (expense), net...      (4)         (2)         (1)           4         17        (2)         20         234
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Income (loss) before income
 taxes.............................    (113)         102          78         109        661        310        180         353
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes.............................     (12)          66          52          89        313        139         78          74
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Net income (loss)..................  $ (101)     $    36     $    26     $    20    $   348    $   171    $   102     $   279
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Pro forma and actual information:
  Net income per share (1).........                          $  0.00     $  0.00    $  0.06    $  0.03    $  0.02     $  0.04
  Weighted average number of common
   and common equivalent shares
   outstanding (1).................                            5,512       5,512      5,540      5,540      5,724       7,240
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL REVENUES:
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
 
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based
   products........................     55.0%       28.7%       23.2%       39.4%      59.4%      34.0%      40.5%       33.7%
  Renewable proprietary products...     26.7        48.9        48.9        41.1       31.2       54.0       48.6        41.2
  Proprietary project research.....     18.3        22.4        27.9        19.5        9.4       12.0       10.9        25.1
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Total revenues.....................    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0      100.0      100.0      100.0       100.0
Operating expenses:
  Cost of revenues.................     73.0        50.5        47.0        46.2       61.5       50.0       44.5        39.9
  Sales, general and
   administrative..................     19.3        33.2        37.6        36.2       21.2       29.2       33.2        30.6
  Product development..............      8.3        10.6        11.3        12.5        6.6       13.1       14.8        23.3
  Depreciation and amortization....      1.3         2.4         1.8         2.2        1.3        1.7        3.6         3.6
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Total operating expenses...........    101.9        96.7        97.7        97.1       90.6       94.0       96.1        97.4
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Operating income (loss)............    (1.9)         3.3         2.3         2.9        9.4        6.0        3.9         2.6
  Interest income (expense), net...    (0.1)       (0.1)         0.0         0.1        0.2        0.0        0.5         5.0
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Income (loss) before income
 taxes.............................    (2.0)         3.2         2.3         3.0        9.6        6.0        4.4         7.6
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes.............................    (0.2)         2.1         1.5         2.4        4.5        2.7        1.9         1.6
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
Net income (loss)..................     (1.8)%       1.1%        0.8%        0.6%       5.1%       3.3%       2.5%        6.0%
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
                                     ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
(1)  Pro  forma information for the quarters  ended March 31, 1995 through March
     31,  1996  assumed  conversion  of  the  Company's  redeemable  convertible
     preferred  stock into 1,853,046 shares of  Common Stock and the exercise of
     outstanding warrants  to purchase  264,480 shares  of Common  Stock,  which
     conversion  and exercise occurred in  connection with the Company's initial
     public offering in March 1996. Information  for the quarter ended June  30,
     1996  is based upon the actual historical weighted average number of common
     and common equivalent shares outstanding.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
   
    The Company's preliminary  results for  the third  quarter of  1996 are  set
forth in the table below.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                               --------------------
                                                                                                 1995       1996
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
                                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                                                 EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                                                      DATA)
<S>                                                                                            <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based products......................................................  $   4,068  $   4,640
  Renewable proprietary products.............................................................      2,137      3,273
  Proprietary project research...............................................................        647      1,123
                                                                                               ---------  ---------
    Total revenues...........................................................................      6,852      9,036
Operating income.............................................................................        644      1,302
Net income...................................................................................        348      1,060
Pro forma and actual information:
  Net income per share (1)...................................................................  $     .06  $     .14
  Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (1).............      5,540      7,228
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
(1) Pro  forma  information  assumed  conversion  of  the  Company's  redeemable
    convertible preferred stock into  1,853,046 shares of  Common Stock and  the
    exercise of outstanding warrants to purchase 264,480 shares of Common Stock,
    which  conversion  and exercise  occurred in  connection with  the Company's
    initial public offering in March 1996.
    
 
    The Company's  operating  results  in  any  particular  fiscal  period  have
fluctuated in the past and will likely fluctuate significantly in the future due
to various factors. Substantially all of the Company's subscription and customer
contracts  terminate after one year  and are renewable at  the discretion of the
customer, although no obligation to renew exists and a customer generally has no
minimum purchase commitments thereunder.  To the extent  that customers fail  to
renew  or defer their renewals from the  quarter anticipated by the Company, the
Company's quarterly results may be  materially adversely affected. In  addition,
substantially  all revenues and  expenses attributable to  CIMS for a particular
year are recognized  when the final  study is usually  completed and  delivered,
usually  in the third quarter of that  year. Delay in delivering the final study
in any given year could postpone recognition of such revenues and expenses until
the fourth quarter of such year, which would materially affect operating results
for such third and fourth quarters.  Furthermore, all costs related to CIMS  are
included  in  cost of  revenues and  none  are allocated  to sales,  general and
administrative costs, which tends  to reduce the  Company's third quarter  gross
margin  below that of other quarters. Many of the Company's customers operate in
industry segments that are becoming increasingly seasonal as technology  vendors
transition to consumer brand marketing approaches in certain markets, with sales
in  the fourth calendar quarter constituting an increasing portion of the annual
sales of  such  customers. This  may  translate  into seasonal  demand  for  the
Company's  products, particularly  the customer  registration products. Finally,
the Company's operating results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of  other
factors,  including the timing of orders from  customers, the size and timing of
the implementation of customer registration products, response rates on customer
registration products, delays in development  and customer acceptance of  custom
software  applications, product  or panel  development expenses,  new product or
service introductions or announcements by the Company or its competitors, levels
of market acceptance for new products  and services, the hiring and training  of
additional  staff and  customer demand for  market research, as  well as general
economic conditions. Because a significant portion of the Company's overhead  is
fixed in the short term and because spending commitments must be made in advance
of  revenue commitments by customers, the Company's results of operations may be
materially adversely affected in any  particular quarter if revenues fall  below
the  Company's expectations. These factors, among others, make it likely that in
some future
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
quarter  the  Company's  operating results  will  be below  the  expectations of
securities analysts and investors, which would have a material adverse effect on
the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    As of June  30, 1996, the  Company had  cash and cash  equivalents of  $26.4
million and working capital of $27.6 million.
 
    During the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Company used $195,000 of cash
in  operating activities  while it  generated $658,000  of cash  during the same
period in the  prior year.  This decrease  in cash flow  was mainly  due to  the
timing  of payment  of income taxes  and costs  incurred in advance  of sales on
certain projects combined with typical activity in accounts receivable, unbilled
revenues and deferred revenues.
 
    The Company generated $625,000  of cash from operations  for the year  ended
December  31, 1995 as compared to $155,000  of cash from operations for the year
ended December 31, 1994. This increase in  cash generated was the result of  the
Company's   leveraging   of  its   subscription-based  products,   returns  from
investments in customer registration products and a prepayment for services on a
certain contract received by the Company during 1995.
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1995, net cash used in  investing
activities  was $900,000 and $251,000, respectively.  This increase in cash used
was primarily  due to  the relatively  high level  of equipment,  furniture  and
leasehold  improvement expenditures during 1996 resulting from the establishment
and expansion of new data  collection facilities and installation of  corporate-
wide  standardized computer platforms, networks and software to accommodate more
efficient data communications.
 
    Net cash used in  investing activities increased  to $771,000 from  $655,000
for  the  years ended  December 31,  1995 and  December 31,  1994, respectively,
primarily for  the  purchases of  furniture,  equipment, computers  and  related
software  for use by the Company's  employees. Equipment and leasehold purchases
in these years  were approximately $867,000  and $632,000, respectively.  During
the year ended December 31, 1995, approximately $300,000 of this amount was used
in  connection with the opening of offices in London and College Station, Texas.
The Company expects to  make additional purchases of  equipment as necessary  to
accommodate future growth, if any.
 
    The Company has budgeted approximately $1.6 million for capital expenditures
in  1996, to be funded  primarily through cash generated  from operations. As of
June 30, 1996, the Company had  expended $789,000 in 1996 capital  acquisitions.
The Company expects that future 1996 capital expenditures will consist primarily
of  telecommunications equipment,  computer hardware  and software  purchases to
continue to upgrade, replace  and improve existing  systems and data  collection
and processing facilities.
 
    Pursuant  to the  billing terms between  the Company and  its customers, the
Company typically bills customers for products or projects before they have been
delivered. Billed amounts  are recorded  as deferred revenues  on the  Company's
financial  statements and are recognized  as income when earned.  As of June 30,
1996 and  1995,  the Company  had  $3.0 million  and  $4.4 million  of  deferred
revenues,  respectively.  In  addition, when  work  is performed  in  advance of
billing, the Company will record this work as unbilled revenue. At each of  June
30,  1996  and  1995,  the  Company  had  $1.2  million  of  unbilled  revenues.
Substantially all  deferred and  unbilled revenues  will be  earned and  billed,
respectively, within 12 months of the respective period ends.
 
    The  Company maintains a  $3 million revolving  bank line of  credit to fund
cash requirements from time to time.  Borrowings under such line of credit  bear
interest  at a rate per annum  equal to the prime rate  plus one percent and are
subject  to  compliance  by  the  Company  with  certain  financial   covenants.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
At  June 30,  1996, the Company  was in  compliance with all  such covenants and
there were no amounts outstanding under such line of credit. The line of  credit
matures on October 30, 1996 and the Company is in negotiations to renew it.
 
    The Company believes that the net proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock
by  the  Company in  this offering,  together with  cash flows  from operations,
existing cash balances and the  line of credit, will  be sufficient to meet  its
working  capital and capital  expenditure requirements for at  least the next 12
months. Beyond that time, if the net proceeds from this offering, together  with
cash flows from operations and available borrowing under the line of credit, are
not  sufficient to satisfy its financing  needs, the Company may seek additional
funding through the sale of  its securities, including equity securities.  There
can  be no assurance that such funding can be obtained on favorable terms, if at
all.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
    THE FOLLOWING  BUSINESS  SECTION CONTAINS  FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS  THAT
INVOLVE  RISKS AND  UNCERTAINTIES. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO,  THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS  REGARDING ITS FUTURE  FINANCIAL
CONDITION  AND  OPERATING  RESULTS,  PRODUCT  DEVELOPMENT,  BUSINESS  AND GROWTH
STRATEGY, MARKET CONDITIONS  AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT.  THE COMPANY'S  ACTUAL
RESULTS  COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY  FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED  IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS AS A RESULT OF CERTAIN FACTORS, INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH UNDER "RISK
FACTORS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
    IntelliQuest is a leading provider of quantitative marketing information  to
technology  companies. IntelliQuest  supplies customers  with timely, objective,
accurate and cost-effective information about technology markets, customers  and
products  on  both a  subscription basis  and a  proprietary project  basis. The
Company uses its proprietary databases and software to help technology companies
track  product  performance  and  customer  satisfaction,  measure   advertising
effectiveness,  assess brand strength and  competitive position, determine price
sensitivity, and evaluate new products, markets or other business opportunities.
The  Company  also  licenses   custom  proprietary  software  applications   and
associated   services  to  technology   manufacturers  for  electronic  customer
registration. IntelliQuest serves  over 55 technology  vendors, including  3Com,
3M,  Apple Computer,  AT&T, Compaq  Computer, Dell  Computer, Digital Equipment,
Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, MicroHelp,  Microsoft, Netscape, Novell,  Symantec,
Texas  Instruments,  Toshiba  and  US West.  IntelliQuest  also  serves numerous
publishers, including Dow Jones, Gannett, Time Warner and Ziff-Davis, who market
to technology advertisers.
 
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
 
    Increased reliance by corporations and consumers on technology products  has
led  to  rapid  growth  in the  technology  industry.  Technology  companies are
operating in a  more complex  business environment,  characterized by  increased
competition, globalization of product markets, shortened product life cycles and
increasingly complex distribution, pricing and marketing issues. Simultaneously,
the number of customers for technology products is increasing and such customers
are  becoming more diverse  and segmented in  their demographic characteristics,
technology needs  and  buying  criteria. For  example,  small  and  medium-sized
businesses  are  becoming increasingly  significant  purchasers of  computer and
networking  technologies,  and  consumer  demand  for  computers,  software  and
Internet  services is  experiencing substantial  growth. Moreover,  most leading
technology companies now compete for customers on a global basis, where customer
preferences may be heavily influenced by regional and cultural preferences.
 
    As the technology industry  matures and increases its  focus on mass  market
and  consumer applications, companies have begun  to shift from a business model
focused primarily  on  engineering  to  one that  also  depends  on  effectively
differentiating  and  marketing  products  worldwide.  As  a  result, technology
companies are  beginning  to  market  their  products  and  services  more  like
traditional  packaged  goods  manufacturers  that rely  on  brand  marketing and
advertising  programs.  Technology  companies   are  demanding  higher   quality
information   about  their  customers'  attitudes,  technology  needs,  purchase
behavior and  brand  preferences  in  order to  track  product  performance  and
customer  satisfaction, measure advertising effectiveness, assess brand strength
and  competitive  position,  determine  price  sensitivity,  and  evaluate   new
products,  markets or  other business  opportunities. Technology  companies have
also become  increasingly focused  on the  potential lifetime  value of  current
customers. As a result, many technology companies have begun to make substantial
investments  in registering their customers in order to directly market products
to them as well as to gather customer feedback and monitor customer satisfaction
levels.
 
    Survey-based research has traditionally been a valuable source of objective,
quantitative market data to which statistical analysis can be applied. As  such,
survey-based  research provides  marketers with  a basis  from which  to measure
current market conditions and project  future outcomes. The heightened focus  on
customer-based  marketing  by technology  companies has  generated significantly
increased demand  for higher  quality data  from the  marketplace. However,  the
relatively low incidence
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
of  technology  purchase influencers  among the  general population  and complex
technology issues  associated with  survey-based market  research in  technology
markets  have  made  such  research  expensive,  difficult,  time  consuming and
ultimately prohibitive for all but the largest technology vendors to conduct  on
their own.
 
    Until  recently,  only a  few market  research  firms focused  on delivering
survey-based market  research to  the  technology industry.  As a  result,  most
companies  have  depended  on  market  research  firms  that  utilize individual
research analysts to  provide advice and  opinions about technologies,  products
and  markets.  Such industry  analysts typically  base their  recommendations on
limited customer interviews, industry contacts and direct observation of  market
trends.  Though opinion-based analyst  research can offer  valuable insight into
industry conditions  and trends,  it often  lacks the  statistical accuracy  and
potential scope of more objective survey-based research.
 
THE INTELLIQUEST SOLUTION
 
    The  Company  addresses the  need for  timely, accurate,  cost-effective and
comprehensive information  on  technology  markets, customers  and  products  by
providing  survey-based market  research data using  extensive survey respondent
databases, proprietary  software tools  and  innovative survey  techniques.  The
Company  provides  information  based  on  consistently  applied,  statistically
rigorous data collection and analysis techniques that measure customer attitudes
and behaviors  rather  than information  based  on the  opinions  of  individual
analysts.  IntelliQuest's  marketing  science staff  has  refined  and developed
several  statistical  research  techniques  and  systems  specifically  for  the
technology marketplace. The Company has also made significant investments in the
development of these techniques and systems to assure that customers obtain high
quality  research. In addition, as part of  its focus on technology markets, the
Company has  developed  and acquired  proprietary  software tools  and  customer
registration products to more effectively collect information from international
technology  respondents. The Company  has also developed  a proprietary panel of
technology buyers and purchase influencers  to provide customers with  increased
speed and lower cost for certain types of customized data collection efforts.
 
    The  Company  is  able  to supply  high  quality  and  cost-effective market
tracking  information  to   its  customers  through   the  Company's   renewable
subscription-based  products.  These  databases  provide  significant  value  to
individual customers because research costs are  shared by a number of  industry
participants.  As  a  result,  the  Company has  become  a  leading  provider to
technology companies of subscription-based products  that monitor the impact  of
marketing and advertising efforts on brand strength and product positioning, and
products  which assess the effectiveness of various media at reaching technology
buyers. In addition to its subscription-based products, the Company also markets
renewable proprietary  products and  one-time proprietary  research projects  to
individual   customers.  These  products   utilize  specialized  techniques  and
proprietary tools  to deliver  sophisticated databases  of market  and  customer
information  that address specific  longitudinal and point-in-time international
business issues.  In addition,  the Company's  electronic customer  registration
products  also facilitate technology companies' direct marketing initiatives and
create new electronic commerce opportunities.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
BUSINESS STRENGTHS
 
    The Company believes the following factors have been of principal importance
in its  ability  to  achieve its  present  position  as a  leading  provider  of
survey-based worldwide market research to technology companies.
 
    FOCUS  ON TECHNOLOGY MARKETS.  Since  its founding in 1985, IntelliQuest has
focused on meeting the specialized market research needs of technology companies
and publishers who market to  technology advertisers. The Company believes  that
its  ability to  cost-effectively provide consistent  information regarding both
domestic  and  international  technology  markets  differentiates  it  from  its
competitors  and enhances the Company's ability to capitalize on the trend among
multinational technology vendors to seek worldwide market research. The  Company
has  established relationships with many leading technology companies, including
3Com, 3M, Apple Computer,  AT&T, Bay Networks,  Compaq Computer, Dell  Computer,
Digital  Equipment,  Epson, Hewlett-Packard,  IBM, Intel,  MicroHelp, Microsoft,
Netscape, Novell, Symantec, Texas Instruments, Toshiba and US West. The  Company
has also established relationships with leading publishers, including Dow Jones,
Gannett, Time Warner and Ziff-Davis, who market to technology advertisers.
 
    EMPHASIS  ON  RENEWABLE PRODUCTS.   In  1995, 84.7%  of the  Company's total
revenues were  generated  from  the  sale  of  renewable  subscription-based  or
renewable  proprietary products.  Due to  the strategic  value of IntelliQuest's
products and services, its innovative  use of proprietary technology to  collect
and  analyze  information and  the Company's  reputation for  excellent customer
service, the Company  averaged dollar-weighted  renewals for  subscription-based
products  of 84% over the three year period from 1993 through 1995. Eight of the
Company's ten  largest  customers  in  1994 were  also  among  its  ten  largest
customers in 1995.
 
    INVESTMENT  IN  PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY.   The  Company has  made substantial
investments in proprietary technology for survey administration, data collection
and data  analysis.  IntelliQuest  was  a  pioneer  in  the  use  of  disk-based
interactive  survey  techniques,  which  are  used  to  gather  information from
technology purchasers and users. The  Company has made a substantial  investment
in  ReplyDisk,  its proprietary  survey software,  which  allows the  Company to
easily  create  customized   interactive,  graphical   and  multi-media   survey
applications.  The  Company  has  also used  the  ReplyDisk  platform  to create
off-the-shelf survey software  applications such as  ReplySat, which provides  a
turnkey  solution for measuring customer  satisfaction and reporting results. In
May 1996,  the  Company further  expanded  its offering  of  proprietary  survey
software   by   acquiring  IntelliQuest   Communications,   Inc.  ("IntelliQuest
Communications," formerly known as Pipeline Communications, Inc.).  IntelliQuest
Communications  is a  leading provider  of electronic  customer registration and
marketing services  for a  number  of leading  computer hardware,  software  and
peripheral  companies. IntelliQuest  Communications has  developed a proprietary
frame relay network that  allows electronic customer  registration from over  90
countries  and 400  cities worldwide  as well  as registration  via Internet Web
sites. The  Company has  also  invested in  data communication  technologies  to
increase  the efficiency of  data collection using  the disk-based approach. The
Company is  currently  developing NetQuest,  which  will allow  the  Company  to
administer  interactive  surveys  on  the  Internet.  Additionally,  the Company
recently completed the development of  IntelliTab, a customized version of  SPSS
statistical reporting software, to give customers the ability to easily generate
tables  and graphs  from electronic databases  provided by the  Company for both
subscription-based and renewable proprietary products.
 
    FOCUS ON LEVERAGING PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS.  In recent years,
the Company has been able to better leverage its fixed expense base. The Company
believes that  this improvement  is attributable,  in part,  to its  substantial
investments in its proprietary survey technologies, data collection and analysis
methodologies,  renewable subscription-based  products and  Technology Panel. In
addition, the Company  has also  realized improved operating  efficiency by  (i)
pursuing  sales penetration of  technology vendors not  previously served by the
Company,  but   whose   products  were   already   tracked  as   part   of   its
subscription-based  products, (ii)  capitalizing on a  "consortium" approach for
designing new subscription-based  products, and (iii)  marketing new modules  of
existing  products to  the Company's current  customers. In  1995, the Company's
operating income  as  a percentage  of  revenues  increased to  6.0%,  based  on
revenues  of $19.1 million and operating income  of $1.1 million, compared to an
operating loss  as a  percentage of  revenues of  5.0% in  1992, based  on  $3.9
million in revenues and an operating loss of $196,000.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
    The Company's growth strategy includes the following key elements.
 
    INCREASE  MARKETING TO EXISTING CUSTOMERS.  Many of IntelliQuest's customers
are diversified multinational technology companies. The Company typically  works
with  some,  but not  all, of  the  business units  within these  companies. The
Company  believes  that  opportunities  exist  to  leverage  its  expertise  and
reputation  to  expand  its  presence among  other  business  units  of existing
customers. In addition, many of IntelliQuest's subscription-based and  renewable
proprietary  products enable the  Company to market  to customers more specific,
customized research projects.  Many of  the technology companies  served by  the
Company  are also experiencing  significant growth and  increasing their overall
market research budgets. The  Company is increasing  its marketing efforts  with
respect to these customers in order to capture a portion of the increased demand
by such companies for market research.
 
    EXTEND  PRODUCTS  AND  SERVICES  TO  NEW  CUSTOMERS  AND  RELATED TECHNOLOGY
MARKETS.  The Company believes that  its experience and reputation in  providing
high-quality,  cost-effective market research  information to leading technology
and publishing companies  will enable  it to  market its  existing products  and
services  to new  customers. In  particular, the  Company has  an opportunity to
pursue sales  penetration of  technology vendors  not previously  served by  the
Company,   but   whose   products  were   already   tracked  as   part   of  its
subscription-based products.  In addition,  while the  Company has  historically
derived  a significant percentage of its revenues from customers in the computer
industry, primarily manufacturers of personal computers and related hardware and
software, the Company has begun to target related technology markets such as the
data communications,  on-line  services,  Internet  and  interactive  new  media
markets.
 
    DEVELOP   INTERNET-BASED   RESEARCH   TOOLS   AND   OTHER   NEW  INFORMATION
SERVICES.  The  use of the  Internet for e-mail  communications and  information
dissemination (through Web sites) has grown rapidly over the past several years.
The  Company is seeking to  capitalize on this growth  by expanding its recently
introduced Internet-based research  tools and information  services such as  Web
site  surveys and a survey  to measure Internet and  on-line service usage among
technology purchase  influencers.  The Company  also  intends to  develop  other
products  and services that address specific customer demands and expand the use
of its existing products and services  to enable the Company to better  leverage
its proprietary technologies and infrastructure.
 
    DEVELOP  ANCILLARY SERVICES TO CUSTOMER REGISTRATION.  IntelliQuest believes
it can leverage its  position in the customer  registration business to  develop
several  ancillary services,  such as  customer satisfaction  tracking, database
management,  database  enhancement,  and   electronic  marketing  services.   In
addition,  the Company believes the opportunity  may exist to license the rights
to customer  registration  information  and consolidate  such  information  into
low-cost marketing data products.
 
    EXPAND  INTERNATIONALLY.   Demand for  technology products  in international
markets has increased significantly in recent years. As the Company's  customers
expand  their  marketing  activities  worldwide,  the  Company  has  experienced
increased demand  for  market  research information  and  customer  registration
relating  to international  markets. Accordingly,  the Company  is expanding its
overseas market research capabilities. The Company recently opened an office and
data collection facility in London and has established research and distribution
affiliate relationships with  companies covering Japan,  Europe, Canada,  Mexico
and Latin America.
 
    EXPAND  THROUGH STRATEGIC BUSINESS COMBINATIONS.  IntelliQuest believes that
through  continued  growth,  it   will  be  better   positioned  to  provide   a
comprehensive  set  of  survey-based  market  research  to  a  broader  group of
customers. The  Company believes  that the  market research  industry is  highly
fragmented  and that opportunities exist to expand through acquisitions or other
strategic business combinations. The Company plans to consider acquisitions  of,
alliances  with, and investments in companies  that provide products or services
not offered by the Company,  have strategic customer relationships, are  located
in  attractive  geographic  locations  or  have  proprietary  technologies.  For
example, in May  1996, the Company  acquired IntelliQuest Communications,  whose
proprietary  electronic customer registration products will significantly expand
the Company's offering of electronic registration services.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
    IntelliQuest offers its customers a variety of market research products  and
services  within each  of its  three main  product and  service areas: renewable
subscription-based products,  renewable  proprietary  products  and  proprietary
project  research.  The following  table summarizes  the Company's  products and
services:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     PRODUCT/SERVICE TYPE                 PRODUCT OR
                                           SERVICE                                                        GEOGRAPHIC
                                      (YEAR INTRODUCED)                  DESCRIPTION                       COVERAGE
<S>                             <C>                             <C>                             <C>
RENEWABLE                       INTELLITRACK IQ                                                 INTERNATIONAL*
SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PRODUCTS     (1991)                          - GLOBAL TRACKING OF KEY BRAND
(MULTI-CUSTOMER)                                                  METRICS INCLUDING AWARENESS,
                                                                  IMAGE, CONSIDERATION,
                                                                  PREFERENCE AND REASONS FOR
                                                                  WON/LOST BUSINESS.
                                                                - USED AS GAUGE OF MARKETING
                                                                  EFFECTIVENESS AND TOOL FOR
                                                                  IMPROVING CUSTOMER
                                                                  CONSIDERATION RATES AND
                                                                  MARKET SHARE.
                                                                - DELIVERED MONTHLY OR
                                                                  QUARTERLY VIA STATISTICAL
                                                                  TABLES, GRAPHICAL REPORTS
                                                                  AND DISKETTE.
                                CIMS                                                            UNITED STATES
                                (1994)                          - COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE OF
                                                                  MEDIA HABITS AMONG
                                                                  TECHNOLOGY PURCHASE
                                                                  INFLUENCERS.
                                                                - USED FOR MEDIA PLANNING BY
                                                                  TECHNOLOGY ADVERTISERS AND
                                                                  FOR MARKETING PURPOSES BY
                                                                  SUBSCRIBING MEDIA COMPANIES.
                                                                - DELIVERED ANNUALLY VIA
                                                                  STATISTICAL TABLES, CD-ROM
                                                                  AND ON-LINE REPORTS.
                                WWITS                                                           UNITED STATES AND
                                (1996)                          - TRACKING OF INTERNET AND      EUROPE
                                                                  ON-LINE SERVICE ("OLS")
                                                                  USAGE.
                                                                - MONITORS ON-LINE ACTIVITIES
                                                                  OF INTERNET AND OLS USERS
                                                                  INCLUDING BRAND PERFORMANCE
                                                                  AND SATISFACTION LEVELS.
                                                                - DELIVERED QUARTERLY VIA
                                                                  STATISTICAL TABLES,
                                                                  DISKETTE, CD-ROM AND ON-LINE
                                                                  REPORTS.
RENEWABLE                       LONGITUDINAL                                                    INTERNATIONAL*
PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS            TRACKING STUDIES                - ONGOING RENEWABLE TRACKING
                                (1990)                            PROGRAMS CONDUCTED ON A
                                                                  PROPRIETARY BASIS FOR
                                                                  SPECIFIC CUSTOMERS.
                                                                - SYSTEMS DEVELOPED TO ASSURE
                                                                  CONSISTENCY ON A WORLDWIDE
                                                                  BASIS USING A COMPREHENSIVE
                                                                  SYSTEM OF SOFTWARE STANDARDS
                                                                  AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES.
                                                                - DELIVERED MONTHLY OR
                                                                  QUARTERLY VIA STATISTICAL
                                                                  TABLES, GRAPHICAL REPORTS
                                                                  AND DISKETTE.
                                CUSTOMER                                                        INTERNATIONAL*
                                REGISTRATION PRODUCTS           - MULTI-LANGUAGE ELECTRONIC
                                (1993)                            REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS
                                                                  UTILIZING CUSTOMIZED
                                                                  VERSIONS OF INTELLIQUEST'S
                                                                  PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE.
                                                                - TYPICALLY FACTORY
                                                                  PRE-INSTALLED AND SHIPPED
                                                                  WITH PRODUCT. BUYERS
                                                                  COMPLETE REGISTRATION
                                                                  APPLICATIONS ELECTRONICALLY
                                                                  AND AUTOMATICALLY RETURN VIA
                                                                  MODEM, DISK, FAX, E-MAIL, OR
                                                                  PRINT.
                                                                - DELIVERED WEEKLY AND
                                                                  QUARTERLY VIA STATISTICAL
                                                                  TABLES, GRAPHICAL REPORTS
                                                                  AND DISKETTE.
                                REPLYSAT                                                        INTERNATIONAL*
                                (1995)                          - TURNKEY PROGRAM FOR
                                                                  COLLECTING SATISFACTION
                                                                  INFORMATION UTILIZING
                                                                  INTERACTIVE MULTI-LANGUAGE
                                                                  SOFTWARE SYSTEM.
                                                                - COMPLETE INTEGRATION OF
                                                                  SURVEY SOFTWARE, CUMULATION,
                                                                  AND REPORT GENERATION TO
                                                                  PROVIDE COST EFFICIENCY AND
                                                                  CONSISTENCY ACROSS GLOBAL
                                                                  MARKETS.
                                                                - DELIVERED QUARTERLY VIA
                                                                  STATISTICAL TABLES,
                                                                  GRAPHICAL REPORTS AND
                                                                  DISKETTE.
PROPRIETARY PROJECT             PROPRIETARY                                                     INTERNATIONAL*
RESEARCH                        RESEARCH                        - FULL SERVICE CAPABILITIES
                                (1985)                            FOR LARGE-SCALE GLOBAL
                                                                  PROPRIETARY PROJECTS.
                                                                - PROPRIETARY METHODS
                                                                  DEVELOPED FOR MARKET
                                                                  SEGMENTATION, PRICING,
                                                                  ADVERTISING EFFECTIVENESS,
                                                                  PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, BRAND
                                                                  MEASUREMENT, IMAGE
                                                                  ASSESSMENT, AND BRAND
                                                                  RESEARCH.
                                                                - DELIVERED AT END OF PROJECT
                                                                  VIA STATISTICAL TABLES,
                                                                  GRAPHICAL REPORTS AND
                                                                  DISKETTE.
                                TECHNOLOGY PANEL                                                UNITED STATES AND
                                (1994)                          - PRE-RECRUITED SAMPLE OF       EUROPE
                                                                  TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCERS FOR
                                                                  IMMEDIATE CUSTOMER RESEARCH
                                                                  NEEDS
                                                                - UTILIZES FAX/OCR TECHNOLOGY
                                                                  TO CREATE FAST TURNAROUND
                                                                  AND EXCELLENT COST
                                                                  EFFICIENCY.
                                                                - BROAD MARKET COVERAGE WITH
                                                                  APPROXIMATELY 16,000
                                                                  PARTICIPANTS.
                                                                - DELIVERED AT END OF PROJECT
                                                                  VIA STATISTICAL TABLES,
                                                                  GRAPHICAL REPORTS AND
                                                                  DISKETTE.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
    *    Through  its offices  in Austin  and College  Station, Texas,  Atlanta,
Georgia  and London and affiliates abroad,  the Company provides market research
data on  the following  countries: the  United States,  Canada, Mexico,  Brazil,
France, the U.K., Germany, Italy and Japan.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
    While  the dynamics of each area are distinct, sales to customers in a given
area often generate sales to customers in the other areas. For example, many  of
the  Company's  subscription-based  products  grew  out  of  proprietary project
research initially developed for multiple customers. Conversely, many  renewable
subscription-based  products and/or  renewable proprietary  products provide the
foundation for more specific proprietary project research.
 
RENEWABLE SUBSCRIPTION-BASED PRODUCTS
 
    Renewable  subscription-based  products  are  designed  to  help  technology
vendors  undertake more  systematic management  of their  branding and marketing
efforts. Because research costs are shared by a number of industry participants,
high quality information can be provided at cost-effective prices.
 
    INTELLITRACK IQ.  IntelliTrack  IQ is a  family of subscription-based  brand
tracking   studies  delivered  monthly  or  quarterly  via  statistical  tables,
graphical reports and diskette. Through  over 45,000 annual interviews with  key
purchase   influencers  of  computer-related  equipment,  IntelliTrack  provides
continuous international brand awareness, consideration and purchase data.
 
    IntelliTrack is sold through  annual subscriptions for a  customer-specified
number  of product  and geographic market  modules. Since 1991,  the Company has
increased the number  of modules  from two to  16. The  product markets  tracked
include   business-to-business   markets   for   desktop   personal   computers,
portable/notebook personal  computers,  workstation computers,  printers,  color
printers,  networking equipment and personal computers  and printers used in the
home. The geographic markets tracked include the United States, Canada,  Mexico,
Brazil, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
 
    IntelliTrack also offers omnibus and recontact services. The omnibus service
allows  customers  to  add  questions  to  the  IntelliTrack  survey,  providing
additional in-depth data  customized to customers'  individual needs.  Recontact
studies  allow customers direct  access to original  IntelliTrack respondents so
that research  projects  can be  conducted  with specific  target  groups.  Both
services  provide a  cost-effective alternative  to small,  focused, proprietary
studies.
 
    COMPUTER INDUSTRY MEDIA  STUDY (CIMS).   The Company  maintains and  markets
CIMS,  one of the leading databases of media readership and viewership habits of
both business  and  household  technology purchase  influencers  in  the  United
States.  Conducted on an annual basis, the  research is designed to provide both
advertisers and media companies with objective, comparable information about how
to efficiently target advertising at key buying groups. Subscribers include most
major technology-focused publishing  groups as  well as top  advertisers in  the
categories  measured,  which include  desktop  PCs, notebook  PCs, workstations,
microprocessors,  printers,   peripherals,  applications   software,   operating
systems,  LAN  hardware/software,  Internet  working,  wide-area  networking and
communications products. Subscribers may purchase by customer segment  (business
or  home) or by  product category. Databases are  delivered via on-line services
which incorporate media models that allow advertisers to develop media schedules
which seek to maximize reach against target buying audiences. In addition to the
advertising information, the  scope of  the study (10,000  business surveys  and
5,000 home surveys) makes CIMS a comprehensive annual benchmark of market trends
in both buying patterns and media behavior.
 
    WORLDWIDE  INTERNET TRACKING STUDY (WWITS).  The Company recently introduced
WWITS, a subscription-based study that tracks Internet and on-line service (OLS)
usage in the United States and Europe. Conducted quarterly in the United  States
and  annually in  France, Germany  and the  U.K., this  study provides  what the
Company believes is the most accurate and comprehensive measurement of the  size
and  growth of  the Internet  and OLS  user population.  Additionally, the study
monitors the on-line activities of Internet and OLS users, including their brand
preferences and satisfaction  levels. Subscribers to  the study include  leading
providers  of hardware, software  and services to  the Internet market. Specific
product categories tracked include on-line services, Internet access  providers,
browsers,  search engines, hardware  for accessing the  Internet, and electronic
commerce. Databases  are  delivered via  hard  copy reports  and  in  electronic
database  format. As with IntelliTrack, WWITS  also offers omnibus and recontact
services.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
RENEWABLE PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS
 
    To meet  the unique  information needs  of certain  customers,  IntelliQuest
designs  and manages ongoing  market feedback systems  to deliver consistent and
regular proprietary information databases.
 
    CUSTOMER REGISTRATION  PRODUCTS.   IntelliQuest offers  innovative  customer
registration   software  products   that  provide  technology   vendors  with  a
cost-effective way of  capturing, analyzing and  managing customer  information.
The  Company's  customer  registration  products  include  both  customized  and
standard turnkey programs. IntelliQuest offers  a complete solution with  regard
to response media including customer registration responses via modem, diskette,
e-mail,  fax,  interactive voice  response or  print. Through  the use  of these
technologies, IntelliQuest has been able to achieve customer registration  rates
that the Company believes are significantly higher than those achievable through
traditional   approaches   and  collect   substantially  more   information  per
questionnaire in comparison to the questionnaires used in those approaches.
 
    Extensive experience in computer-based survey research techniques led to the
Company's  development  of   ReplyDisk,  the   Company's  proprietary   software
application  for conducting registrations electronically. ReplyDisk provides for
fully interactive questionnaire  logic, with  complete multimedia  capabilities,
including  the ability to incorporate voice, video, and high resolution graphics
into  registration  products.  Hardware  manufacturers  typically  pre-load  the
software  on their products so that the registration questionnaire automatically
appears when the product is configured. In addition to collecting customer data,
ReplyDisk can also be customized to incorporate electronic "infomercials,"  thus
allowing  customers  to view  additional support  or  warranty options  or order
products from an electronic catalog.
 
    CUSTOMER  SATISFACTION   TRACKING.     The  Company   markets  ReplySat,   a
ReplyDisk-based  customer satisfaction  product that  provides customers  with a
cost-effective program for tracking customer attitudes and satisfaction  towards
their   products.  The  Company   provides  a  turnkey   solution,  including  a
pre-programmed and  fully  customizable survey  application,  as well  as  fully
automated  data collection and reporting  systems. Under this program, customers
subscribe to the service  on a quarterly or  semi-annual basis and receive  data
via  statistical tables, graphical reports  and diskettes. The program evaluates
all aspects of the customer's buying experience including salespeople, features,
support, service,  and  delivery.  IntelliQuest's  proprietary  software  allows
customers   to  monitor  a  full  range  of  satisfaction  variables  by  asking
individuals questions relevant to their own buying experience. Regular  tracking
of  satisfaction  allows IntelliQuest's  customers  to understand  factors which
drive satisfaction, monitor changes in product quality and service programs  and
appropriately  position products.  Customized customer  satisfaction studies can
also evaluate competitors' customer  satisfaction, highlighting areas  requiring
relative  improvement  and  identifying  opportunities  to  exploit  competitive
advantages.
 
    LONGITUDINAL TRACKING  STUDIES.    IntelliQuest  also  provides  proprietary
customized  brand,  advertising,  product and  customer  tracking  programs. The
Company creates proprietary tracking systems for certain customers, based on the
IntelliTrack methodology, that monitor unique product or market segments and use
IntelliTrack data for benchmarking and performance evaluation. The Company  also
tracks  the  effectiveness  of  specific  advertising  campaigns  on  an ongoing
proprietary basis  for  certain  customers. Finally,  the  Company  designs  and
implements  customized product and customer tracking research to follow products
and customers through all phases of the product life cycle.
 
PROPRIETARY PROJECT RESEARCH
 
    In  addition  to  subscription-based  products  and  renewable   proprietary
products,  IntelliQuest  is  a  leading  provider  of  the  following  types  of
proprietary market research studies to technology companies.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    PROPRIETARY RESEARCH
 
    MARKET OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT.  IntelliQuest's market opportunity assessment
enables companies  to  explore  the  potential and  pitfalls  of  new  products,
channels or services.
 
    MARKET  SEGMENT ANALYSIS.  IntelliQuest's market segmentation studies assist
customers in identifying segments with varying needs, quantifying the sizes  and
potential  economic opportunities of the segments, describing the composition of
each segment,  analyzing  each  segment's sources  of  product  information  and
evaluating alternative marketing communications messages.
 
    PRICING/PROFITABILITY  RESEARCH.  Through  close work with  top academic and
industry  researchers,  the  Company  has  refined  a  methodology  to   collect
information  on price  and its relationship  to other  product attributes. Using
this data,  the Company  is able  to model  various pricing  strategies for  its
customers' products.
 
    PUBLISHER  STUDIES.   IntelliQuest provides customized  marketing studies to
technology magazine publishers to promote and sell advertising.
 
    TECHNOLOGY PANEL
 
    The Company's  Technology Panel  consists  of approximately  16,000  persons
involved in corporate purchases of technology goods and services who have agreed
to participate in the Company's ongoing survey research projects. The Technology
Panel  provides  the Company  with pre-recruited  technology respondents  from a
variety of  corporate functional  areas and  product categories  and rapid  data
collection  tools to  enable cost-effective  research among  specific technology
respondent groups.
 
    The Technology Panel currently includes  respondents from the United  States
and  several major  European countries and  eventually is expected  to cover all
major global markets of interest  to IntelliQuest's customers. In addition,  the
Company  plans to utilize its Internet survey software, which is currently being
developed, to  gather  electronic surveys  from  panel participants.  This  will
benefit  customers by  improving turnaround time  and more  closely aligning the
research process with the shortening life-cycles of technology products.
 
    Research  panels  are  valuable   sources  of  technology  market   research
information.  Panel research is  well suited for  (i) tracking customer behavior
and attitudes, (ii) testing new  products, (iii) conducting proprietary  studies
with  hard to  find respondents, (iv)  obtaining time  sensitive information for
tactical decision making, (v) obtaining time sensitive competitive feedback, and
(vi) testing marketing campaigns or advertising concepts.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
    During 1995, the Company served approximately 100 customers.  IntelliQuest's
technology  vendor  customers include  3Com,  3M, Apple  Computer,  AT&T, Compaq
Computer,  Dell  Computer,  Digital  Equipment,  Hewlett-Packard,  IBM,   Intel,
MicroHelp, Microsoft, Netscape, Novell, Symantec, Texas Instruments, Toshiba and
US  West. IntelliQuest also tracks over 60 publications for numerous publishers,
including Dow  Jones,  Gannett,  Time  Warner  and  Ziff-Davis,  who  market  to
technology  advertisers.  The  Company's  customers  have  increasingly demanded
consistent international market information. Revenues from international  market
research,  which the Company first  introduced in 1991, grew  to $5.0 million in
1995, or approximately 26.0% of total revenues.
 
    In 1995,  84.7%  of the  Company's  total  revenues were  derived  from  the
Company's  subscription-based products  and contracts  for renewable proprietary
products, and the Company  expects that a material  portion of its revenues  for
the  foreseeable  future will  continue  to be  derived  from such  sources. The
remainder of the Company's revenues were derived from custom purchase orders for
proprietary project  research.  See  "Management's Discussion  and  Analysis  of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
    The  Company's two largest customers, Microsoft and IBM, accounted for 15.1%
and 10.5%, respectively, of 1995 revenues.  No other customer accounted for  10%
or more of revenues in 1995.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
Substantially  all  of the  Company's subscriptions  and customer  contracts are
renewable annually  at  the  option  of the  Company's  customers,  although  no
obligation  to renew  exists and  a customer  generally has  no minimum purchase
commitments thereunder.  In  addition,  there is  significant  consolidation  of
companies  in the technology industries served by the Company, a trend which the
Company believes will continue. Consolidation among the Company's top  customers
could adversely affect customer budgets for the Company's products and services.
No  assurances can be given that the Company will maintain its existing customer
base or that it will be able to attract new customers.
 
    IntelliQuest is committed  to providing  high quality market  research in  a
cost-effective,  consistent and user-friendly manner to its customers. Depending
on their specific  preferences, customers receive  substantial support from  the
Company's  customer  development  representatives,  its  account  team  and  its
marketing science  department.  In  addition,  the  Company  regularly  solicits
extensive   feedback  from  customers  regarding  their  satisfaction  with  the
Company's products and services. The Company respects the confidentiality of the
products, services and projects provided to each of its clients.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    IntelliQuest has historically  generated most  of its  new business  through
customer  referrals supplemented  by its  own sales  and marketing  efforts. The
Company believes that its success to date in generating new business has been  a
function  primarily  of  its  reputation  for  providing  timely,  high quality,
cost-effective information  to  its customers  and  its investment  in  customer
service  and support. The  Company has historically  maintained a small, focused
direct sales force to  market the Company's products  and services to  potential
new  customers, and has only recently begun to develop a formal sales management
structure. The Company  has recently  hired a Vice  President of  Sales and  has
increased  its sales force to  10 persons as of  September 23, 1996. The Company
also trains and encourages all of its employees to monitor the information needs
of existing customers in order to  provide additional products and services.  In
addition,  the Company's  senior management actively  participates in developing
and maintaining customer relationships.
 
    The Company's  sales cycle  varies depending  on the  particular product  or
service  being marketed. For subscription-based products, renewals are generally
secured on an annual basis, typically in the fourth calendar quarter.
 
    The Company's primary marketing event is the annual IntelliQuest Brand  Tech
Forum (the "Forum"), attended by over 300 of the technology industry's marketing
professionals.  The conference features outside speakers  on a variety of topics
related to branding and technology marketing, and provides a public showcase for
the Company's products and services. The 1996  Forum will be hosted by the  Wall
Street  Journal  and sponsored  by CMP,  Beyond  Computing, Advertising  Age and
Alexander Communications. In addition,  the Company sponsors  a variety of  user
conferences  for  subscribers  to its  information  products.  These conferences
provide  customer  feedback  on  potential  product  improvements  and   service
enhancements.
 
    Publishers frequently contract with IntelliQuest to conduct research that is
published or distributed to technology companies. The Company also provides data
for editorial use, including providing USA Today with monthly survey information
for the USA Today/IntelliQuest Technology Poll.
 
    As  the Company develops new products and services targeted at broader-based
market segments, it  will need  to continue to  expand its  direct sales  force.
There  can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully develop
or manage such a  sales force. See  "Risk Factors --  Expansion of Direct  Sales
Force."
 
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
 
    The  Company  is  actively  developing  new  subscription-based  information
products. The Company  focuses its  product development efforts  in areas  where
there is a demonstrated customer demand for consistent worldwide market research
but  where  quality research  is cost  prohibitive  unless shared  among several
customers.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    The Company is also  investing in enabling  technologies which increase  the
quality  and efficiency of the data  collection process. This includes continued
enhancements to the  Company's proprietary  ReplyDisk software to  enable it  to
operate on the Web. The Company also anticipates using the software for internal
use  (to improve  data collection  cost efficiencies)  as well  as licensing the
software so that  any company  with a  site on  the Web  can conduct  electronic
survey  research. Additionally, the Company expects  to use the Internet version
of ReplyDisk to survey  the Technology Panel,  thereby lowering data  collection
costs and further reducing turnaround time on panel studies.
 
    The  Company is also developing tools to further automate existing processes
for data collection  and analysis.  This includes software  that integrates  the
survey application with reporting packages, an automated
graphical-user-interface-based  survey  builder to  enhance the  productivity of
programmers in several aspects of  the data collection process, and  IntelliTab,
the Company's recently introduced statistical reporting software.
 
    IntelliQuest  Communications is also continuing  to develop new products and
technologies, such as  its frame relay  network, which can  now process  on-line
calls  in over  90 countries and  400 cities through  the Internet. Intelliquest
Communications also recently  announced a new  product called IntelliCIS,  which
provides  real time  customer and  market research  information to manufacturers
based on worldwide customer registrations.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The technology-focused market research  industry is highly competitive.  The
principal  bases of competition in the  Company's business are quality, industry
knowledge, data delivery, geographic  coverage, cost-effectiveness and  customer
service.  The Company has traditionally  competed directly with relatively small
local providers of survey-based technology-focused market research. The  Company
also  competes  directly with  third  party providers  of  customer registration
software (such as  KAO Infosystems  Company) as  well as  vendors' own  customer
registration  software.  In  addition,  the  Company  competes  indirectly  with
significant providers of (i)  analyst-based, technology-focused market  research
(such  as Gartner Group,  Inc., META Group, Inc.  and Forrester Research, Inc.);
(ii) survey-based, general market  research (such as  A.C. Nielsen Company,  NFO
Research,  Inc., Information Resources Inc. and  The NPD Group, Inc.); and (iii)
analyst-based, general  business  consulting.  Although  only  a  few  of  these
competitors   have  to  date  offered  survey-based,  technology-focused  market
research that competes directly with  the Company's products and services,  many
of these competitors have substantially greater financial, information gathering
and  marketing resources  than the  Company and  could decide  to increase their
resource commitments to the Company's market. Moreover, each of these  companies
currently  competes  indirectly, if  not  directly, for  funds  available within
aggregate industry-wide market research budgets. There are few barriers to entry
into the Company's market, and the Company expects increased competition in  one
or  more  market  segments  addressed by  the  Company.  Such  competition could
adversely affect  the  Company's  operating results  through  pricing  pressure,
required  increased marketing expenditures and loss of market share, among other
factors. There can  be no assurance  that the Company  will continue to  compete
successfully   against  existing  or  new  competitors.  See  "Risk  Factors  --
Competition."
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
    The Company's success  is in  part dependent upon  its proprietary  software
technology, research methods, data analysis techniques, and internal systems and
procedures  that  it  has  developed  specifically  to  serve  customers  in the
technology industry. The Company  has no patents; consequently,  it relies on  a
combination  of  copyright, trademark  and trade  secret  laws and  employee and
third-party  non-disclosure  agreements  to  protect  its  proprietary  systems,
software  and procedures. There can be no  assurance that the steps taken by the
Company  to  protect  its  proprietary  rights  will  be  adequate  to   prevent
misappropriation  of such  rights or that  third parties  will not independently
develop functionally equivalent or superior systems, software or procedures. The
Company believes that its systems, software and procedures and other proprietary
rights do not infringe the proprietary rights of third parties. There can be  no
assurance,  however,  that third  parties  will not  assert  infringement claims
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
against the Company in the future or  that any such claims will not require  the
Company  to  enter into  materially adverse  license  arrangements or  result in
protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the merits of such claims.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of September 23, 1996, IntelliQuest employed a total of 168 persons on  a
full-time basis, consisting of 50 in custom and syndicated media tracking, 34 in
syndicated  tracking, 39 in  other technical services,  19 in client development
and marketing and  26 in administrative  functions. Of these  employees, 29  are
software   programmers  or  database  specialists.  The  Company  also  employed
part-time individuals  in its  field operations,  representing approximately  75
full-time  equivalent employees. None of the Company's employees are represented
by a collective  bargaining agreement.  The Company  considers its  relationship
with its employees to be good.
 
FACILITIES
 
    The  Company's  headquarters are  located in  22,300  square feet  of leased
office space in Austin, Texas.  This facility accommodates research,  marketing,
sales, customer support and corporate administration. The lease on this facility
expires  in January 1998.  The Company leases additional  office space in Austin
and College Station, Texas,  Atlanta, Georgia and  London. The Company  believes
that  its  existing  facilities are  adequate  for  its current  needs  and that
additional facilities can be leased to meet future needs.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
    The executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              NAME             AGE                  POSITION
    <S>                        <C>  <C>
    Peter Zandan.............  43   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
    Brian Sharples...........  35   President and Director
    James Schellhase.........  38   Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial
                                    Officer and Director
    Lee Walker(1)(2).........  55   Director
    William Wood(1)(2).......  40   Director
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Member of the Compensation Committee.
(2)  Member of the Audit Committee.
 
    PETER  ZANDAN founded the Company and  has been Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer  since  1985.  Prior  to  founding  IntelliQuest,  he  was  an  industry
consultant  and lectured at the University of Texas at Austin from 1985 to 1986.
Mr. Zandan received a  B.A. in history from  the University of Massachusetts  in
1975,  and a Ph.D. in  evaluation research and an  M.B.A. from the University of
Texas at Austin in 1982 and 1983, respectively.
 
    BRIAN SHARPLES joined  IntelliQuest as  Senior Vice President  in 1990,  was
named  President  in  1991 and  became  a  director in  1992.  Prior  to joining
IntelliQuest, he was  a consultant  in the high  technology practice  of Bain  &
Company,  Inc. and  Chief Executive Officer  of Practical  Productions, Inc., an
event-based automotive distribution  business. Mr. Sharples  received a B.A.  in
economics  and mathematics  from Colby  College in 1982  and an  M.B.A. from the
Stanford Graduate  School of  Business  with a  concentration in  marketing  and
finance in 1986.
 
    JAMES  SCHELLHASE joined IntelliQuest in 1994 as its Chief Operating Officer
and Chief Financial Officer and  was appointed as a  director in May 1995.  From
1989  to 1994, prior to  joining IntelliQuest, he served  as the Chief Financial
Officer at Jones &  Neuse, Inc., a  full-service environmental consulting  firm.
Prior to joining Jones & Neuse, Mr. Schellhase was employed as the interim Chief
Financial  Officer at Guaranty Federal Savings Bank, Austin, Texas, and prior to
that he was employed as  an audit manager at Touche  Ross & Co. (now Deloitte  &
Touche).  Mr.  Schellhase  received a  B.B.A.  in  accounting and  an  M.P.A. in
financial reporting from  the University of  Texas at Austin  in 1980 and  1981,
respectively. Mr. Schellhase is a certified public accountant.
 
   
    LEE  WALKER was elected a director of IntelliQuest in July 1996. Since 1991,
he has been a lecturer at the  University of Texas Graduate School of  Business.
From 1986 to 1991, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Dell Computer
Corporation,  a manufacturer of personal computers.  Mr. Walker is a director of
Mobile  Telecommunications  Technologies   Corp.,  a   manufacturer  of   mobile
telecommunications  products. Mr. Walker  received a B.S.  in Physics from Texas
A&M University and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
    
 
    WILLIAM WOOD has served as a director  of the Company since May 1993.  Since
1984,  Mr. Wood has been a general partner of Austin Ventures, a venture capital
firm. Mr.  Wood is  a director  of Matrix  Service, a  publicly held  industrial
services  company. Mr. Wood received an A.B. in history from Brown University in
1978 and an M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1982.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
    All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of the  stockholders
or  until their successors have been  elected and qualified. Directors currently
receive no compensation for their service on  the Board of Directors but may  be
reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their services as
directors.  In addition, under the 1996  Director Option Plan, directors who are
not employees  of  the  Company receive,  at  the  discretion of  the  Board  of
Directors,  options to purchase shares of Common Stock upon joining the Board of
Directors. Thereafter, each non-employee director will
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
receive, at the  discretion of the  Board of  Directors, an annual  grant of  an
option  to purchase shares of Common  Stock. See "Management -- Employee Benefit
Plans --  1996  Director  Option  Plan."  The  Company  also  does  not  provide
additional  compensation for  committee participation or  special assignments of
the Board  of  Directors. Officers  serve  at the  discretion  of the  Board  of
Directors.
 
BOARD COMMITTEES
 
    The  Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee and an Audit Committee.
The Compensation  Committee  makes recommendations  to  the Board  of  Directors
concerning  salaries and incentive  compensation for the  Company's officers and
employees and  administers  the Company's  stock  and option  plans.  The  Audit
Committee evaluates the Company's internal audit and control functions.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
 
    The Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
each  consist of William Wood  and Lee Walker, neither of  whom is an officer or
employee of the Company.  No member of the  Compensation Committee or  executive
officer  of the Company has a relationship that would constitute an interlocking
relationship with executive officers or directors of another entity.
 
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
 
    The Company's Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of directors
to the maximum  extent permitted  by Delaware  law. Delaware  law provides  that
directors  of a corporation  will not be personally  liable for monetary damages
for breach  of  their  fiduciary  duties  as  directors,  except  for  liability
attributed  to (i) any breach of their duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders, (ii)  acts  or  omissions  not  in  good  faith  or  that  involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) unlawful payments of
dividends  or unlawful stock  repurchases or redemptions  as provided in Section
174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) any transaction from  which
the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
    The  Company's Bylaws provide that the Company shall indemnify its directors
and executive officers and  may indemnify its other  officers and employees  and
other  agents to the fullest extent permitted  by law. The Company's Bylaws also
permit the  Company to  secure insurance  on behalf  of any  officer,  director,
employee  or other agent for any liability arising  out of his or her actions in
such capacity.
 
    The Company  has entered  into  agreements to  indemnify its  directors  and
officers,   in  addition  to  indemnification  provided  for  in  the  Company's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.  These agreements, among other  things,
indemnify  the Company's directors and  officers for certain expenses (including
attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and  settlement amounts incurred by any  such
person  in any action or proceeding, including any  action by or in the right of
the Company, arising out of such person's  services as a director or officer  of
the Company, any subsidiary of the Company or any other company or enterprise to
which  the person provides services  at the request of  the Company. The Company
believes that  these provisions  and  agreements are  necessary to  attract  and
retain qualified directors and officers.
 
    At  present,  there is  no pending  litigation  or proceeding  involving any
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company. The Company is not aware of
any threatened litigation or  proceeding that might result  in a claim for  such
indemnification.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The  following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid
by the Company during the  year ended December 31,  1995 to the Company's  Chief
Executive  Officer and the Company's two other executive officers (collectively,
the "Named Executive Officers").
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         LONG-TERM
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                        AWARDS (1)
                                                                                       -------------
                                                               ANNUAL COMPENSATION      SECURITIES
                                                            -------------------------   UNDERLYING       ALL OTHER
               NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                    SALARY        BONUS         OPTIONS       COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ------------  -------------  ----------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Peter Zandan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer........  $   205,900   $  100,000        --         $    11,163(2)
Brian Sharples, President.................................      212,400      100,000        --              10,237(3)
James Schellhase, Chief Operating Officer and Chief
 Financial Officer........................................      103,500       96,350         32,991          --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) The Company did not grant any restricted stock awards or stock  appreciation
    rights or make any long-term incentive plan payouts during 1995.
 
(2) Includes an automobile allowance of $7,200, premiums for term life insurance
    paid  by the Company for the benefit of Mr. Zandan of $2,270 and medical and
    group life insurance and other benefits of $1,693.
 
(3) Includes an automobile allowance of $7,200, premiums for term life insurance
    paid by the Company for  the benefit of Mr.  Sharples of $1,550 and  medical
    and group life insurance and other benefits of $1,487.
 
OPTION GRANTS DURING FISCAL 1995
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth,  as  to  the  Named  Executive Officers,
information concerning  stock  options  granted during  the  fiscal  year  ended
December 31, 1995. No stock appreciation rights were granted during such year.
 
                          OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               INDIVIDUAL GRANTS (1)
                        -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      % OF TOTAL                                              POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                         NUMBER OF      OPTIONS                                               ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                        SECURITIES    GRANTED TO                                              PRICE APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
                        UNDERLYING   EMPLOYEES IN                 MARKET PRICE                           TERM (4)
                          OPTIONS     FISCAL YEAR    EXERCISE      ON DATE OF    EXPIRATION  --------------------------------
         NAME             GRANTED         (1)        PRICE (2)       GRANT        DATE (3)      0%         5%         10%
- ----------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  --------------  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------
<S>                     <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Peter Zandan..........      --            --            --             --            --         --         --          --
Brian Sharples........      --            --            --             --            --         --         --          --
James Schellhase......     32,991(5)       49.7%     $    0.68    $    1.81(6)      5/13/05  $  37,280  $  74,890  $  132,624
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
(1) The Company granted options to purchase 66,336 shares of Common Stock during
    fiscal 1995 that were outstanding as of December 31, 1995.
 
(2) The  exercise price  may be  paid in  cash, check,  shares of  the Company's
    Common Stock  (subject  to  approval  of the  Board  of  Directors)  or  any
    combination of such methods.
 
(3) Options  may terminate before their expiration date if the optionee's status
    as an employee is terminated or upon the optionee's death or disability.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
(4) The 5% and 10% assumed annual compound rates of stock price appreciation are
    mandated by the rules of the  Securities and Exchange Commission and do  not
    represent  the  Company's estimate  or projection  of  future prices  of its
    Common Stock.
 
(5) Forty percent (40%) of the shares  subject to Mr. Schellhase's options  vest
    on  May 13,  1997 and twenty  percent (20%) vest  on each of  the next three
    anniversaries thereof.
 
(6) The Board of Directors derived the fair market value of the Company's Common
    Stock on the  date of  grant using  a comparison to  the market  value of  a
    comparable  publicly traded company and  applying an appropriate discount to
    reflect the Company's status as a privately held corporation.
 
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
 
    The following table  sets forth information  concerning option holdings  for
the  fiscal year ended  December 31, 1995  with respect to  each Named Executive
Officer. No options were exercised by  the Named Executive Officers during  such
fiscal year.
 
                           AGGREGATED OPTION HOLDINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER OF SECURITIES        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                              UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED       IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                                                                OPTIONS AT FY-END             AT FY-END (1)
                                                            --------------------------  --------------------------
                           NAME                             EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
Peter Zandan..............................................      --            --            --            --
Brian Sharples............................................      --            --            --            --
James Schellhase..........................................      10,264         74,046   $   173,088  $   1,230,682
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Based  on the  initial public  offering price of  $17.00 per  share less the
    exercise price payable for such shares.
 
INCENTIVE PROGRAM
 
    The Board of  Directors establishes, on  an annual basis,  a cash  incentive
program  for all of  the Company's executive officers.  The incentive program is
based on performance relative to overall Company performance and executive  team
goals and objectives.
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
AMENDED 1993 IQI CORP. STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
   
    Under  the Company's  Amended 1993  IQI Corp.  Stock Option  Plan (the "1993
Option Plan"),  as of  August 31,  1996,  135,500 shares  of Common  Stock  were
subject to outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $0.34 per
share.  No further options will  be granted under the  1993 Option Plan. Options
under the 1993 Option Plan generally become exercisable over a vesting period of
five years and  as of August  31, 1996, outstanding  options to purchase  18,571
shares  of Common  Stock had  vested. Options  under the  1993 Option  Plan were
issuable to  employees of  the Company  and were  intended as  "incentive  stock
options"  intended to qualify for certain  favorable tax treatment. The exercise
price of each incentive stock option is at least equal to the fair market  value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
    
 
1996 STOCK PLAN
 
    The  Company has reserved an aggregate of 300,000 shares of Common Stock for
issuance under its 1996  Stock Plan (the  "1996 Plan"); as  of August 31,  1996,
168,094 shares of Common Stock were subject to outstanding options at a weighted
average  exercise price  of $15.53 per  share. No outstanding  options under the
1996 Plan had vested  as of August 31,  1996. The 1996 Plan  was adopted by  the
Board  of Directors and approved by the  stockholders in February 1996. The 1996
Plan will terminate in February 2006  unless terminated earlier by the Board  of
Directors.  The  1996  Plan provides  for  grants  of options  to  employees and
consultants  (including  officers  and  directors)   of  the  Company  and   its
subsidiaries.  The 1996 Plan may be administered by the Board of Directors or by
a committee
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
appointed by  the Board,  in  a manner  that  satisfies the  legal  requirements
relating  to the  administration of stock  plans under all  applicable laws (the
"Administrator"). The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee.
 
    The exercise price of options granted  under the 1996 Plan is determined  by
the  Administrator. With  respect to incentive  stock options  granted under the
1996 Plan, the exercise price  must be at least equal  to the fair market  value
per  share of the Common Stock  on the date of grant,  and the exercise price of
any incentive stock options granted to a  participant who owns more than 10%  of
the  voting power of all classes of the Company's outstanding capital stock must
be equal to at least 110%  of the fair market value  of the Common Stock on  the
date of grant. The maximum term of an option granted under the 1996 Plan may not
exceed ten years from the date of grant (five years in the case of a participant
who  owns more  than 10%  of the voting  power of  all classes  of the Company's
outstanding capital stock).  In the event  of the termination  of an  optionee's
employment  or consulting  arrangement, options  may only  be exercised,  to the
extent vested as of the date of termination, for a period not to exceed 90  days
(12  months  in the  case of  termination as  a result  of death  or disability)
following the date of termination. Options may not be sold or transferred  other
than  by will  or the  laws of  descent and  distribution, and  may be exercised
during the life of the optionee only by the optionee.
 
    Options to  be  granted  under  the 1996  Plan  generally  vest  and  become
exercisable,  assuming continued service as an employee or consultant, at a rate
of 40% of the shares subject to  an option vesting on the second anniversary  of
the commencement of vesting date and 20% of the shares on each of the next three
anniversaries thereafter, such that all shares under an option vest in full five
years  from the  commencement of vesting  date assuming continued  service as an
employee or consultant. Options outstanding under the 1996 Plan generally have a
term of ten years.
 
    In the event of a change of control of the Company, including a liquidation,
merger or sale  of substantially all  of the Company's  assets, all  outstanding
options  will be  assumed or an  equivalent option substituted  by the successor
corporation or its parent or  subsidiary unless the Administrator determines  in
its  sole discretion that each optionee shall  have the right to exercise his or
her option  in full,  regardless of  vesting. In  the absence  of assumption  or
substitution,  any options not exercised as of the date of the change of control
shall terminate upon such change of control.
 
1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
    The Company has reserved an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock  for
issuance  under its 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). The ESPP was
adopted by the Board of Directors  and approved by the stockholders in  February
1996.  The ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986,  as amended (the  "Code"), and permits  eligible employees of  the
Company  to purchase  Common Stock  through payroll deductions  of up  to 15% of
their compensation  (up to  30%  of their  compensation  for the  first  period,
commencing  on July 1,  1996 and ending  on December 31,  1996) provided that no
employee may purchase more than $25,000 worth of stock in any calendar year. The
ESPP has been implemented as a series of successive six-month offering  periods,
the  first of which  commenced on July 1,  1996 and will end  on the last market
trading day on or before December 31, 1996. The price of Common Stock  purchased
under  the ESPP will be 85% of the lower  of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the first and last day of each offering period. The ESPP will expire in
2006.
 
    As of August 31, 1996, no shares had been issued under the ESPP.
 
1996 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN
 
    Non-employee directors are  entitled to  participate in  the Company's  1996
Director Option Plan (the "Director Plan"). The Director Plan was adopted by the
Board  of  Directors and  approved  by the  stockholders  in February  1996, and
amended by the Board of Directors in  August 1996. A total of 100,000 shares  of
Common  Stock has been reserved for issuance under the Director Plan, options to
purchase 5,000 of which were issued and  outstanding as of August 31, 1996.  The
Director  Plan provides that each non-employee director shall be granted, at the
discretion of the Board of Directors,
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
a nonstatutory option to  purchase shares of Common  Stock (the "First  Option")
upon the date such non-employee director first becomes a director (other than an
employee  director who  ceases to  be an  employee but  remains a  director). In
addition, each non-employee director  who has been  a non-employee director  for
longer  than six months will annually be granted, at the discretion of the Board
of Directors,  a nonstatutory  option  to purchase  shares  of Common  Stock  (a
"Subsequent  Option"). Each non-employee director will  be eligible to receive a
Subsequent Option, regardless of whether such non-employee director was eligible
to receive a First Option. Each First  Option and Subsequent Option will have  a
term  expiring on the earlier  of the tenth anniversary of  the date of grant or
twelve months  after the  date  on which  the optionee  ends  his service  as  a
director.  The vesting terms of both the  First Option and the Subsequent Option
shall be at the discretion  of the Board of Directors.  The exercise price of  a
director option will be 100% of the fair market value per share of the Company's
Common  Stock on the  date of the grant  of the option. The  exercise price of a
director option granted to a director who owns more than 10% of the voting power
of all classes of the  Company's outstanding capital stock  must be equal to  at
least 110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
 
401(K) SAVINGS PLAN
 
    The  Company maintains the IntelliQuest,  Inc. 401(k) Savings and Retirement
Plan, a defined contribution retirement plan with a cash or deferred arrangement
as described in Section 401(k) of the Code (the "401(k) Plan"). The 401(k)  Plan
is  intended to be qualified under Section  401(a) of the Code. All employees of
the Company are eligible to participate in  the 401(k) Plan on the first day  of
the  month concurrent with or following the first anniversary of employment. The
401(k) Plan provides that each  participant make elective contributions from  1%
to 15% of his or her compensation, subject to statutory limits. The Company also
provides  a  discretionary  100%  matching  contribution,  subject  to statutory
limits. Under  the  terms  of  the  401(k)  Plan,  allocation  of  the  matching
contribution  is integrated with Social  Security, in accordance with applicable
nondiscrimination rules under the Code.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    In May  1993, the  Company (i)  sold shares  of its  redeemable  convertible
preferred  stock (designated as the "Series A Preferred Stock") convertible into
an aggregate of  1,055,718 shares of  Common Stock at  an as-converted price  of
$1.36  per share, (ii) sold shares of its redeemable convertible preferred stock
(designated as the "Series B Preferred Stock") convertible into an aggregate  of
797,328  shares of Common Stock at an  as-converted price of $2.96 per share and
(iii) issued warrants exercisable for an  aggregate of 264,480 shares of  Common
Stock at an exercise price of $2.03 per share. In March 1996, in connection with
the  Company's initial public  offering, all Preferred  Stock was converted into
Common Stock and  all warrants were  exercised. The purchasers  of the Series  A
Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and warrants included the following
5% stockholders, directors and entities associated with directors:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SHARES OF SERIES   SHARES OF SERIES
                                                           A PREFERRED        B PREFERRED     WARRANTS TO PURCHASE
                         NAME                               STOCK(1)           STOCK(2)           COMMON STOCK
- ------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  -----------------  --------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                <C>                <C>
Austin Ventures, L.P..................................         527,859(3)         398,664(4)            132,240(5)
Summit Partners L.P...................................         527,859(6)         398,664(7)            132,240(8)
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
(1) Represents shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of shares of Series
    A Preferred Stock in connection with the Company's initial public offering.
 
(2) Represents shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of shares of Series
    B Preferred Stock in connection with the Company's initial public offering.
 
(3) Includes 286,147 shares purchased by Austin Ventures III-A, L.P. and 241,712
    shares  purchased by Austin Ventures III-B, L.P. William Wood, a director of
    the Company, is  a general  partner of AV  Partners III,  L.P., the  general
    partner  of each of  Austin Ventures III-A, L.P.  and Austin Ventures III-B,
    L.P.
 
(4) Includes 216,112 shares purchased by Austin Ventures III-A, L.P. and 182,552
    shares purchased by Austin Ventures III-B, L.P.
 
(5) Includes warrants  to purchase  71,686 and  60,554 shares  of Common  Stock,
    issued  to  Austin Ventures  III-A, L.P.  and  Austin Ventures  III-B, L.P.,
    respectively.
 
(6) Includes 517,302 shares purchased  by Summit Ventures  III, L.P. and  10,557
    shares  purchased by  Summit Investors II,  L.P. Summit Partners  L.P., a 5%
    stockholder, is the general partner of each of Summit Ventures III, L.P. and
    Summit Investors II, L.P.
 
(7) Includes 390,691 shares  purchased by  Summit Ventures III,  L.P. and  7,973
    shares purchased by Summit Investors II, L.P.
 
(8) Includes  warrants to  purchase 129,595  and 2,645  shares of  Common Stock,
    issued  to  Summit  Ventures  III,  L.P.  and  Summit  Investors  II,  L.P.,
    respectively.
 
    Former  holders  of shares  of the  Series  A Preferred  Stock and  Series B
Preferred Stock and warrants  to purchase Common Stock  are entitled to  certain
registration  rights with  respect to  the Common  Stock issued  upon conversion
and/or exercise  thereof.  See "Description  of  Capital Stock  --  Registration
Rights."
 
    In  May 1993, the Company purchased  all outstanding shares of IntelliQuest,
Inc. Common Stock from Peter Zandan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company,  in  exchange  for  $2,050,000   in  cash.  IntelliQuest,  Inc.  is   a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
 
    In  May 1993, the Company made a cash payment of $250,000 to Brian Sharples,
President and  a director  of  the Company,  to cancel  an  option held  by  Mr.
Sharples   to  purchase  shares  of  Common   Stock  of  IntelliQuest,  Inc.,  a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
 
    In May 1993,  the Company  issued to  each of  Mr. Zandan  and Mr.  Sharples
1,368,516  shares of the Company's Series A  Common Stock in connection with the
reorganization of the  Company in exchange  for cash payments  from each of  Mr.
Zandan and Mr. Sharples of $37,333.12.
 
    The  Company believes that all of the transactions set forth above were made
on terms no less  favorable to the  Company than could  have been obtained  from
unaffiliated  third parties.  All future transactions,  including loans, between
the Company and  its officers,  directors and principal  stockholders and  their
affiliates will be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors, including a
majority  of  the  independent  and  disinterested  directors  of  the  Board of
Directors, and will be on terms no  less favorable to the Company than could  be
obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
    The  following  table sets  forth certain  information  with respect  to the
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as  of August 31, 1996 and as  adjusted
to reflect the sale of Common Stock offered hereby for (i) each of the Company's
directors,  (ii) each of  the Named Executive Officers,  (iii) all directors and
executive officers as a group, (iv) each  person who is known by the Company  to
beneficially  own more than 5%  of the Common Stock,  and (v) each other Selling
Stockholder.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                     SHARES
                                                                          NUMBER OF SHARES                     BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                      BENEFICIALLY OWNED PRIOR                       AFTER
                                                                           TO OFFERING(1)           SHARES       OFFERING(1)(2)
                                                                      -------------------------     BEING      ------------------
NAME                                                                      NUMBER        PERCENT   OFFERED(2)    NUMBER    PERCENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------   -------   ----------   ---------  -------
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
DIRECTORS AND NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
Peter Zandan........................................................    990,006            14.0    148,501       841,505     10.4
Brian Sharples (3)..................................................    516,218             7.3     77,433       438,785      5.4
James Schellhase....................................................     40,264            *         --           40,264     *
Lee Walker..........................................................     --                *         --           --         *
William Wood (4)....................................................    926,523            13.1    555,914       370,609      4.6
All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons)
 (3)(4).............................................................  2,473,011            35.0    781,848     1,691,163     21.0
5% STOCKHOLDERS:
Austin Ventures, L.P. (5)...........................................    926,523            13.1    555,914       370,609      4.6
Summit Partners L.P. (6)............................................    926,523            13.1    555,914       370,609      4.6
Sydney Sharples (3).................................................    473,787             6.7    283,756       190,031      2.4
OTHER SELLING STOCKHOLDERS: (7)
A. Matthews Thompson................................................    184,244(8)          2.6     92,122        92,122      1.1
Noro-Moseley Partners III, L.P......................................     90,910             1.3     45,455        45,455     *
Ralph W. Bowlin.....................................................     61,289            *        30,645        30,644     *
77 Capital Partners, L.P............................................     48,413            *        24,207        24,206     *
Mark Novisoff.......................................................     30,152            *        15,076        15,076     *
MicroWarehouse......................................................     17,272            *         8,636         8,636     *
Patrick M. Cummiskey................................................     16,383            *         8,192         8,191     *
Michael J. Geihsler.................................................     13,145            *         6,573         6,572     *
Other Selling Stockholders (17 persons).............................     58,870(9)         *        28,576        30,294     *
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
*   Less than 1%.
 
(1) Based on 7,068,708 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 31,  1996
    and  8,068,708  shares of  Common Stock  outstanding immediately  after this
    offering. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of
    the Securities and Exchange  Commission. In computing  the number of  shares
    beneficially  owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person,
    shares of Common Stock  subject to options or  warrants held by that  person
    that  are currently exercisable or exercisable  within 60 days of August 31,
    1996 are deemed outstanding.  Except as indicated in  the footnotes to  this
    table  and as provided  pursuant to applicable  community property laws, the
    stockholders named in the table have  sole voting and investment power  with
    respect to the shares set forth opposite each stockholder's name.
 
(2)  Assumes no exercise of the  Underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase
    432,150  shares  of  Common  Stock.  If  exercised,  the  additional  shares
    purchasable  pursuant  to  this  option  shall  be  allocated  among  Austin
    Ventures, L.P.,  Summit Ventures,  L.P., Peter  Zandan, Brian  Sharples  and
    James Schellhase.
 
(3)  Sydney  Sharples  is the  former  spouse  of Brian  Sharples.  Mr. Sharples
    disclaims any  beneficial ownership  of Ms.  Sharples' shares.  The  mailing
    address  of Ms. Sharples  is c/o IntelliQuest  Information Group, Inc., 1250
    Capital of  Texas Highway  South,  Building Two,  Plaza One,  Austin,  Texas
    78746.
 
(4)  Prior to  this offering,  includes 502,259  shares held  by Austin Ventures
    III-A, L.P. and 424,264 shares held by Austin Ventures III-B, L.P. Mr.  Wood
    is  a general partner of AV Partners  III, L.P., the general partner of each
    of Austin Ventures  III-A, L.P.  and Austin  Ventures III-B,  L.P. Mr.  Wood
    disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except as to the pecuniary
    interest therein arising from his interest in such funds.
 
(5)  Prior to  this offering,  includes 502,259  shares held  by Austin Ventures
    III-A, L.P.  and 424,264  shares held  by Austin  Ventures III-B,  L.P.  The
    mailing address of Austin Ventures, L.P. is 114 West 7th Street, Suite 1300,
    Austin, Texas, 78701.
 
(6) Prior to this offering, includes 907,993 shares held by Summit Ventures III,
    L.P.  and 18,530  shares held by  Summit Investors II,  L.P. Summit Partners
    L.P. is the general partner of each of Summit Ventures III, L.P. and  Summit
    Investors  II,  L.P. The  mailing  address of  Summit  Partners L.P.  is 600
    Atlantic Avenue, Suite 2800, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
 
(7) "Other Selling Stockholders" consist of former shareholders of  IntelliQuest
    Communications,  each of  whom has the  right to  register up to  50% of the
    shares of Company  Common Stock  he or she  received in  the acquisition  of
    IntelliQuest Communications by the Company. The table assumes that each such
    stockholder will exercise in full his or her right to register and sell such
    shares.
 
(8)  Includes  20,000 shares  held  by the  Matt  and Carol  Thompson Charitable
    Remainder Trust, of which Matt Thompson and his wife Carol are trustees.
 
(9) Includes 864 shares issuable pursuant to stock options exercisable within 60
    days of August 31, 1996.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 30,000,000 shares of
Common  Stock, $.0001 par value, and 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.0001
par value.
 
    The following  summary  of  certain  provisions  of  the  Common  Stock  and
Preferred Stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified
in its entirety by, the provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
which  is included  as an  exhibit to the  Registration Statement  of which this
Prospectus is a part and by the provisions of applicable law.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    There will  be 8,068,708  shares of  Common Stock  outstanding (assuming  no
exercise  after August 31,  1996 of outstanding options)  after giving effect to
the sale of Common Stock offered hereby.
 
    The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held  of
record  on  all  matters  submitted  to  a  vote  of  stockholders.  Subject  to
preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock,
the holders of Common Stock are  entitled to receive ratably such dividends,  if
any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available
for  the  payment  of  dividends.  See "Dividend  Policy."  In  the  event  of a
liquidation, dissolution or  winding up of  the Company, the  holders of  Common
Stock  are entitled to  share ratably in  all assets remaining  after payment of
liabilities and liquidation preferences of  any outstanding shares of  Preferred
Stock.  Holders of Common Stock  have no preemptive rights  or rights to convert
their Common Stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or sinking
fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of Common
Stock are fully paid and  non-assessable, and the shares  of Common Stock to  be
issued upon completion of this offering will be fully paid and non-assessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    Pursuant  to  the  Company's  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  the  Board of
Directors has  the authority,  without further  action by  the stockholders,  to
issue up to 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix
the  designations, powers, preferences,  privileges, and relative participating,
optional or special rights and  the qualifications, limitations or  restrictions
thereof,  including dividend rights, conversion  rights, voting rights, terms of
redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater  than
the  rights of  the Common  Stock. The  Board of  Directors, without stockholder
approval, can issue Preferred Stock with voting, conversion or other rights that
could adversely  affect the  voting power  and other  rights of  the holders  of
Common Stock. Preferred Stock could thus be issued quickly with terms calculated
to  delay or  prevent a  change in  control of  the Company  or make  removal of
management more difficult.  Additionally, the  issuance of  Preferred Stock  may
have  the effect  of decreasing the  market price  of the Common  Stock, and may
adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of Common Stock.  At
present,  there are no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding and the Company has
no plans to issue any of the Preferred Stock.
 
ANTITAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS
AND DELAWARE LAW
 
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
    The Certificate of Incorporation provides that all stockholder actions  must
be effected at a duly called meeting and not by a consent in writing. The Bylaws
provide   that  the  Company's  stockholders  may  call  a  special  meeting  of
stockholders only upon  a request  of stockholders owning  at least  50% of  the
Company's  capital stock. These  provisions of the  Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws could discourage potential  acquisition proposals and could delay  or
prevent  a change in  control of the  Company. These provisions  are intended to
enhance the likelihood  of continuity and  stability in the  composition of  the
Board  of Directors and in the policies formulated by the Board of Directors and
to discourage  certain types  of  transactions that  may  involve an  actual  or
threatened  change of control  of the Company. These  provisions are designed to
reduce the vulnerability of the Company to an unsolicited acquisition  proposal.
The  provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used
in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of  discouraging
others
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
from  making tender offers for the Company's  shares and, as a consequence, they
also may inhibit  increases in  the market price  of the  Company's shares  that
could  result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may
have the effect  of preventing  changes in the  management of  the Company.  See
"Risk Factors -- Effect of Anti-Takeover Provisions."
 
DELAWARE TAKEOVER STATUTE
 
    The  Company is subject  to Section 203 of  the Delaware General Corporation
Law ("Section 203"), which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a  Delaware
corporation  from  engaging  in  any business  combination  with  any interested
stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder
became an interested stockholder, unless: (i)  prior to such date, the Board  of
Directors  of the  corporation approved either  the business  combination or the
transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
(ii) upon  consummation of  the  transaction that  resulted in  the  stockholder
becoming  an interested stockholder,  the interested stockholder  owned at least
85% of  the  voting  stock  of  the corporation  outstanding  at  the  time  the
transaction  commenced,  excluding for  purposes  of determining  the  number of
shares outstanding those shares owned (x) by persons who are directors and  also
officers  and (y) by employee stock plans  in which employee participants do not
have the right to  determine confidentially whether shares  held subject to  the
plan  will be tendered in a tender or  exchange offer; or (iii) on or subsequent
to such date, the business combination is approved by the Board of Directors and
authorized at an annual or special  meeting of stockholders, and not by  written
consent,  by the affirmative vote of at  least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting
stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
 
    Section 203  defines business  combination  to include:  (i) any  merger  or
consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; (ii) any
sale,  transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the
corporation involving  the  interested  stockholder; (iii)  subject  to  certain
exceptions,  any transaction  that results  in the  issuance or  transfer by the
corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;  (iv)
any  transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the
proportionate share  of the  stock of  any class  or series  of the  corporation
beneficially  owned by  the interested stockholder;  and (v) the  receipt by the
interested stockholder  of  the  benefit of  any  loans,  advances,  guarantees,
pledges  or other financial benefits provided  by or through the corporation. In
general, Section 203 defines  an interested stockholder as  an entity or  person
beneficially  owning  15%  or  more  of  the  outstanding  voting  stock  of the
corporation  and  any  entity  or  person  affiliated  with  or  controlling  or
controlled by such entity or person.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
    After this offering, the holders of approximately 1,000,686 shares of Common
Stock  will be entitled  to certain rights  with respect to  the registration of
such shares under the Securities Act.
 
    With respect  to approximately  741,218  of such  shares, these  rights  are
provided  under the terms of an agreement between the Company and the holders of
certain shares of capital stock that have been converted into Common Stock  (the
"Registrable Securities"). Subject to certain limitations in such agreement, the
holders  of  at least  50% of  the Registrable  Securities then  outstanding may
require, on no more than two occasions, that the Company use its best efforts to
register the Registrable  Securities for public  resale, provided the  estimated
aggregate  offering price of such securities  exceeds $5,000,000. If the Company
registers any of its Common Stock either for its own account or for the  account
of other security holders on Form S-3, the holders of Registrable Securities are
entitled to include their shares of Common Stock in the registration. A holder's
right  to  include shares  in  an underwritten  registration  is subject  to the
ability of  the underwriters  to limit  the number  of shares  included in  such
offering. The holders of Registrable Securities may also require the Company, on
no more than two occasions over 12 months, to register all or a portion of their
Registrable  Securities on Form S-3  when use of such  form becomes available to
the Company,  provided, among  other limitations,  that the  proposed  aggregate
selling  price, net of  the underwriting discounts and  commissions, is at least
$500,000. All registration and selling expenses attributable to the registration
of  the  holders'  shares  must  be   borne  by  the  holders  requesting   such
registration.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    With  respect  to approximately  259,468 of  such  shares, these  rights are
provided under the terms of a registration rights agreement between the Company,
holders of the shares  of Common Stock described  in the previous paragraph  and
certain  former shareholders of IntelliQuest  Communications. Subject to certain
limitations in such agreement, the holders of such shares may register up to 50%
of their shares in a  registration initiated by the  Company either for its  own
account  or for the account  of other security holders.  After December 1, 1997,
the holders of at least 40% of such securities then outstanding may require that
the Company  use  its  best  efforts  to  register  all  shares  held  by  those
stockholders requesting such registration. All registration and selling expenses
attributable  to the registration  of the holders'  shares will be  borne by the
Company.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
    The transfer agent and registrar for the Company's Common Stock is  American
Securities Transfer and Trust, Incorporated.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon  completion  of this  offering, the  Company  will have  outstanding an
aggregate  of  8,068,708  shares  of  Common  Stock,  assuming  no  exercise  of
outstanding options after August 31, 1996. Of these outstanding shares of Common
Stock,  the 2,881,000 shares  sold in this  offering and approximately 2,676,337
additional  shares  already  outstanding   will  be  freely  tradeable   without
restriction  or further registration under  the Securities Act, unless purchased
by "affiliates" of the  Company as that  term is defined in  Rule 144 under  the
Securities  Act. The remaining 2,511,371 shares of Common Stock held by existing
stockholders are "restricted  securities" as that  term is defined  in Rule  144
under  the  Securities Act  ("Restricted  Shares") and  will  be subject  to the
lock-up arrangements  described below.  Restricted  Shares may  be sold  in  the
public  market  only if  registered or  if  they qualify  for an  exemption from
registration under Rules  144, 144(k)  or 701 promulgated  under the  Securities
Act,  which are summarized below.  Sales of the Restricted  Shares in the public
market, or the availability of such shares for sale, could adversely affect  the
market price of the Common Stock.
 
    The   Company  and  its  directors,   executive  officers  and  all  Selling
Stockholders have entered into  contractual "lock-up" agreements providing  that
they  will not offer, sell, contract to sell  or grant any option to purchase or
otherwise dispose of the shares of Common  Stock owned by them or that could  be
purchased  by them through the  exercise of options to  purchase Common Stock of
the Company for a period  of 90 days after the  date of this Prospectus  without
the  prior written  consent of William  Blair &  Company, L.L.C. As  a result of
these contractual restrictions, notwithstanding possible earlier eligibility for
sale under the provisions of  Rules 144, 144(k) and  701, the shares subject  to
lock-up  agreements will not  be saleable until  90 days after  the date of this
Prospectus (or earlier with the consent of William Blair & Company, L.L.C.).
 
    In general, under  Rule 144  as currently in  effect, a  person (or  persons
whose shares are aggregated) who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at
least  two years  (including the  holding period  of any  prior owner  except an
affiliate of  the Company)  would be  entitled to  sell within  any  three-month
period  a number of shares that does not  exceed the greater of: (i) one percent
of the  number of  shares of  Common Stock  then outstanding  (which will  equal
approximately  80,687  shares  immediately  after this  offering);  or  (ii) the
average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks
preceding the filing of a Form 144  with respect to such sale. Sales under  Rule
144   are  also  subject  to  certain  manner  of  sale  provisions  and  notice
requirements and to  the availability  of current public  information about  the
Company. Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been an affiliate
of  the Company at  any time during  the 90 days  preceding a sale,  and who has
beneficially owned  the shares  proposed to  be sold  for at  least three  years
(including  the holding  period of  any prior owner  except an  affiliate of the
Company), is entitled to sell such  shares without complying with the manner  of
sale,  public information, volume  limitation or notice  provisions of Rule 144;
therefore, unless otherwise restricted, "144(k) shares" may be sold  immediately
upon the completion of this offering.
 
    Any  employee,  officer or  director  of or  consultant  to the  Company who
purchased his or her shares pursuant to a written compensatory plan or  contract
may  be entitled to rely on the resale  provisions of Rule 701. Rule 701 permits
affiliates of the Company to sell their  Rule 701 shares under Rule 144  without
complying  with the  holding period requirements  of Rule 144.  Rule 701 further
provides that  non-affiliates may  sell  such shares  in  reliance on  Rule  144
without  having  to comply  with the  public  information, volume  limitation or
notice provisions of Rule 144. The Company has filed a registration statement on
Form S-8 under  the Securities Act  covering an aggregate  of 741,080 shares  of
Common  Stock reserved for  issuance under the Company's  1993 Option Plan, 1996
Plan, the  Director Plan  and  the ESPP.  See  "Management --  Employee  Benefit
Plans."  Shares registered  under such  registration statement  will, subject to
Rule 144  volume  limitations  applicable  to  affiliates  of  the  Company,  be
available for sale in the open market, unless such shares are subject to vesting
restrictions  with the Company or the  lock-up agreements described above. As of
August 31, 1996 options to purchase  135,500 shares were issued and  outstanding
under  the 1993 Option Plan, options to purchase 168,094 shares had been granted
under the 1996 Plan, options to purchase 5,000 shares had been granted under the
Director Plan and no shares had been issued under the ESPP.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    The several Underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), for which William
Blair & Company,  L.L.C. and  Robertson, Stephens &  Company LLC  are acting  as
representatives  (the "Representatives"), have severally  agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set  forth in the Underwriting  Agreement by and among  the
Company,  the  Selling  Stockholders  and  the  Underwriters  (the "Underwriting
Agreement"), to purchase from the Company and the Selling Stockholders, and  the
Company  and  the  Selling Stockholders  have  agreed  to sell  to  each  of the
Underwriters, the  respective number  of  shares of  Common Stock  (or  warrants
therefor) set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS                                                                                             SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
William Blair & Company, L.L.C.......................................................................
Robertson, Stephens & Company LLC....................................................................
                                                                                                       -----------
    Total............................................................................................    2,881,000
                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                       -----------
</TABLE>
 
    In  the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters have agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions  set forth  therein, to purchase  all of  the Common  Stock
being  sold pursuant to  the Underwriting Agreement  if any of  the Common Stock
being sold pursuant to the  Underwriting Agreement (excluding shares covered  by
the  over-allotment  option granted  therein) is  purchased. In  the event  of a
default by any Underwriter, the Underwriting Agreement provides that, in certain
circumstances, purchase commitments of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall  be
increased or the Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
 
    The  Representatives have advised  the Company and  the Selling Stockholders
that the Underwriters propose to offer the Common Stock to the public  initially
at  the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and
to selected dealers at  such price less a  concession of not more  than $    per
share.  The Underwriters may allow, and  such dealers may re-allow, a concession
not in excess  of $     per share  to certain  other dealers.  After the  public
offering,  the public offering price  and other selling terms  may be changed by
the Representatives.
 
    Certain Selling Stockholders  have granted  to the  Underwriters an  option,
exercisable  within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to
an additional 432,150 shares of Common Stock  at the same price per share to  be
paid   by  the  Underwriters  for  the  other  shares  offered  hereby.  If  the
Underwriters purchase any such additional  shares pursuant to this option,  each
of  the Underwriters  will be  committed to  purchase such  additional shares in
approximately the  same  proportion  as  set  forth  in  the  table  above.  The
Underwriters   may  exercise  the  option  only  for  the  purpose  of  covering
over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the distribution of the  Common
Stock  offered hereby. The  additional shares purchased  pursuant to this option
shall be  allocated among  Austin Ventures,  L.P., Summit  Ventures, L.P,  Peter
Zandan, Brian Sharples and James Schellhase.
 
    The  Company, its directors, executive officers and all Selling Stockholders
have agreed that they will  not sell, contract to  sell or otherwise dispose  of
any  Common Stock or any interest therein for a period of 90 days after the date
of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of William Blair & Company,
L.L.C., except for the Common Stock offered hereby.
 
    The Company  and  the Selling  Stockholders  have agreed  to  indemnify  the
Underwriters   and  their  controlling   persons  against  certain  liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the
Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
    The rules of the  Commission generally prohibit  the Underwriters and  other
members  of the  selling group, if  any, from  making a market  in the Company's
Common  Stock  during  the   "cooling-off"  period  immediately  preceding   the
commencement  of sales  in the  offering. The  Commission has,  however, adopted
exemptions from  these rules  that permit  passive market  making under  certain
conditions.  These rules permit  an underwriter or other  members of the selling
group, if any, to
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
continue to make a market subject to the conditions, among others, that its  bid
not exceed the highest bid by a market maker not connected with the offering and
that  its net  purchases on  any one trading  day not  exceed prescribed limits.
Pursuant to  these exemptions,  certain Underwriters  and other  members of  the
selling  group, if  any, may  engage in passive  market making  in the Company's
Common Stock during the cooling-off period.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Certain legal matters with  respect to the legality  of the issuance of  the
shares  of Common Stock offered  hereby will be passed  upon for the Company and
the Selling  Stockholders  by Wilson  Sonsini  Goodrich &  Rosati,  Professional
Corporation,  Palo Alto, California.  Certain legal matters  will be passed upon
for the Underwriters by Sidley & Austin, Chicago, Illinois.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The financial statements as of  December 31, 1994 and  1995 and for each  of
the  three  years  in  the  period ended  December  31,  1995  included  in this
Prospectus have been so included in  reliance on the report of Price  Waterhouse
LLP,  independent accountants, given upon the  authority of said firm as experts
in auditing and accounting.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Report of Independent Accountants.....................................................        F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheet............................................................        F-3
Consolidated Statement of Operations..................................................        F-4
Consolidated Statement of Common Stockholders' Equity (Deficit).......................        F-5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows..................................................        F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................        F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of IntelliQuest Information
Group, Inc.
 
In  our opinion,  the accompanying  consolidated balance  sheet and  the related
consolidated statements of operations, of common stockholders' equity  (deficit)
and  of  cash flows  present  fairly, in  all  material respects,  the financial
position of  IntelliQuest  Information  Group,  Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries  at
December  31, 1995 and 1994  and the results of  their operations and their cash
flows for each  of the three  years in the  period ended December  31, 1995,  in
conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  These  financial
statements  are   the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management;   our
responsibility  is to express an opinion  on these financial statements based on
our audits.  We conducted  our audits  of these  statements in  accordance  with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audit  to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material  misstatement. An audit  includes examining, on  a test  basis,
evidence  supporting the  amounts and  disclosures in  the financial statements,
assessing the  accounting  principles used  and  significant estimates  made  by
management,  and  evaluating the  overall  financial statement  presentation. We
believe that our  audits provide a  reasonable basis for  the opinion  expressed
above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Austin, Texas
July 25, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------------   JUNE 30,
                                                                   1994       1995        1996
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
                                              ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents.........................................  $   1,283  $   1,688   $  26,391
  Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts
   of $43, $341, and $353, respectively........................      2,396      2,990       3,687
  Unbilled revenues............................................        413      1,599       1,151
  Projects in process..........................................        518         71       1,862
  Prepaid expenses and other assets............................         97         32         263
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total current assets.......................................      4,707      6,380      33,354
 
Furniture and equipment, net...................................      1,031      1,537       2,021
Other assets...................................................        169         89         145
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total assets...............................................  $   5,907  $   8,006   $  35,520
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
 
                       LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
                            AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable.............................................  $     965  $   1,174   $   1,536
  Accrued liabilities..........................................        243      1,263       1,043
  Deferred revenues............................................      2,173      1,822       2,987
  Other current liabilities....................................        112        103         168
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total current liabilities..................................      3,493      4,362       5,734
 
Capital lease obligations and deferred rent....................        157        170         138
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total liabilities..........................................      3,650      4,532       5,872
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Redeemable convertible preferred stock.........................      4,141      4,420      --
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized,
 no shares issued or outstanding...............................     --         --          --
Common Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
  Common stock, $.0001 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized,
   3,196,846, 3,245,193, and 6,997,719 shares issued and
   outstanding, respectively...................................          1          1           1
 
  Capital in excess of par value...............................      2,482      2,345      32,613
  Deferred compensation........................................       (850)       (61)        (54)
  Foreign currency translation.................................     --         --               1
  Accumulated deficit..........................................     (3,517)    (3,231)     (2,913)
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total common stockholders' equity (deficit)................     (1,884)      (946)     29,648
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock
     and common stockholders' equity (deficit).................  $   5,907  $   8,006   $  35,520
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                 ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           JUNE 30,
                                                    ---------------------------------  ------------------------
                                                      1993       1994        1995         1995         1996
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Renewable subscription-based products...........  $   2,055  $   6,157  $     8,064  $     2,216  $     3,234
  Renewable proprietary products..................      2,055      4,185        8,120        3,150        3,915
  Proprietary project research....................      2,039      3,647        2,930        1,653        1,617
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total revenues..................................      6,149     13,989       19,114        7,019        8,766
 
Operating expenses:
  Cost of revenues................................      3,372      8,457       10,103        3,267        3,685
  Sales, general and administrative...............      2,661      3,996        5,575        2,589        2,792
  Product development.............................        880      1,545        1,979          838        1,693
  Depreciation and amortization...................        152        265          317          141          317
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Total operating expenses........................      7,065     14,263       17,974        6,835        8,487
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating income (loss)...........................       (916)      (274)       1,140          184          279
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Other income (expense):
  Interest income and other.......................         12         12           49           41          290
  Interest expense................................        (32)       (25)         (31)         (38)         (36)
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) before income taxes...............       (936)      (287)       1,158          187          533
Provision (benefit) for income taxes..............         (1)         2          593          141          152
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss).................................  $    (935) $    (289) $       565  $        46  $       381
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income per share..............................                        $       .10  $       .01  $       .06
                                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Weighted average number of common and common
 equivalent shares outstanding....................                          5,526,371    5,512,365    6,481,989
                                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                COMMON STOCK      CAPITAL                             TOTAL
                                                              ----------------   IN EXCESS          ACCUMULATED   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                                          PAR     OF PAR             EARNINGS        EQUITY
                                                               SHARES    VALUE     VALUE     OTHER   (DEFICIT)      (DEFICIT)
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>    <C>           <C>
Balance, December 31, 1992..................................     --      $--      $      6   $--      $   192        $   198
Issuances of common stock...................................  3,045,710      1         494    --       --                495
Purchase of IntelliQuest, Inc. common stock from
 affiliate..................................................     --       --            (6)   --       (2,044)        (2,050)
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value............     --       --        --        --         (162)          (162)
Net loss....................................................     --       --        --        --         (935)          (935)
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
Balance, December 31, 1993..................................  3,045,710      1         494    --       (2,949)        (2,454)
Issuances of common stock...................................    151,136   --         1,106    --       --              1,106
Deferred stock option compensation..........................     --       --           882    (882)    --             --
Amortization of deferred compensation.......................     --       --        --          32     --                 32
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value............     --       --        --        --         (279)          (279)
Net loss....................................................     --       --        --        --         (289)          (289)
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
Balance, December 31, 1994..................................  3,196,846      1       2,482    (850)    (3,517)        (1,884)
Issuances of common stock...................................     48,347   --           547    --       --                547
Amortization of deferred compensation.......................     --       --        --          98     --                 98
Cancellation of stock option compensation...................     --       --          (752)    752     --             --
Deferred compensation.......................................     --       --            68     (68)    --             --
Amortization of deferred compensation.......................     --       --        --           7     --                  7
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value............     --       --        --        --         (279)          (279)
Net income..................................................     --       --        --        --          565            565
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
Balance, December 31, 1995..................................  3,245,193      1       2,345     (61)    (3,231)          (946)
Accretion of preferred stock to redemption value............     --       --        --        --          (63)           (63)
Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock and
 warrants upon initial public offering......................  2,117,526   --         5,020    --       --              5,020
Common stock issued upon initial public offering............  1,635,000   --        25,248    --       --             25,248
Amortization of deferred compensation.......................     --       --        --           7     --                  7
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation...........     --       --        --           1     --                  1
Net income..................................................     --       --        --        --          381            381
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
Balance, June 30, 1996 (unaudited)..........................  6,997,719  $   1    $ 32,613   $ (53)   $(2,913)       $29,648
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
                                                              ---------  -----   ---------   -----  -----------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    FOR THE
                                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                    JUNE 30,
                                                            -------------------------------  ----------------------
                                                              1993       1994       1995        1995        1996
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss).......................................  $    (935) $    (289) $     565   $      46   $     381
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
   provided by (used in) operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization.........................        153        268        357         157         352
    Bad debt expense......................................         68         45        311          99          60
    Loss on sale of equipment and other...................          2          5          3      --          --
    Noncash stock option compensation expense.............     --             33         98          98           7
    Net changes in assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue............     (2,300)       310     (2,096)     (1,449)       (309)
      Prepaid expenses and other assets...................        (91)       (68)        64         (24)        (88)
      Projects in process.................................       (883)       365        447      (1,390)     (1,791)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses...............      1,004         36      1,234         773         142
      Deferred revenues...................................      2,114       (595)      (351)      2,187       1,165
      Deferred rent and other.............................         27         45         (7)        161        (114)
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating
         activities.......................................       (841)       155        625         658        (195)
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements.......       (297)      (632)      (867)       (338)       (789)
  Other...................................................        (12)       (23)        96          87        (111)
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
        Net cash used in investing activities.............       (309)      (655)      (771)       (251)       (900)
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock..................        495      1,106        547         547      25,786
  Borrowings under line of credit.........................        732        375        650          64          46
  Repayments on line of credit............................       (996)      (375)      (675)     --          --
  Proceeds from notes payable.............................     --             50         65      --          --
  Repayments of principal on capital lease obligations....        (46)       (67)       (36)        (23)        (34)
  Purchase of stock of IntelliQuest, Inc. from
   affiliate..............................................     (2,050)    --         --          --          --
  Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock...........      3,700     --         --          --          --
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
        Net cash provided by financing
         activities.......................................      1,837      1,089        551         588      25,798
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in cash and equivalents......................        687        589        405         995      24,703
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the
 period...................................................          7        694      1,283       1,283       1,688
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period........  $     694  $   1,283  $   1,688   $   2,278   $  26,391
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
  Interest paid...........................................  $      32  $      25  $      42   $      13   $       9
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
  Property and equipment acquired under capital leases....  $      56  $  --      $       9   $  --       $  --
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
  Taxes paid..............................................  $  --      $       5  $     305   $      27   $     391
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  THE COMPANY
    IntelliQuest  Information Group, Inc. ("IntelliQuest" or the "Company") is a
leading provider of quantitative marketing information to technology  companies.
IntelliQuest   supplies   customers   with  timely,   objective,   accurate  and
cost-effective information about technology  markets, customers and products  on
both  a subscription basis and a proprietary project basis. The Company operates
in a single industry segment.
 
    IntelliQuest, Inc. ("Old IntelliQuest") was  incorporated in Texas in  1985.
In  1993, Old IntelliQuest was acquired by IntelliQuest, a majority of which was
owned by the former  principal of Old IntelliQuest.  In connection with this,  a
cash  payment  of $2,050,000  was  made to  the  controlling shareholder  of Old
IntelliQuest. This acquisition was accounted for as a reorganization of entities
under common control, where the bases of Old IntelliQuest assets and liabilities
carried over to  IntelliQuest. IntelliQuest  was reincorporated  in Delaware  on
March  19, 1996. In  conjunction with this  reincorporation, the Company changed
its name to IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
 
    During 1995, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary located in London,
England. At  December  31,  1995,  the total  assets  and  liabilities  of  this
subsidiary  were  approximately  $259,000  and  $42,000,  respectively,  net  of
intercompany eliminations. Net losses  related to this  subsidiary for the  year
ended December 31, 1995 totaled $34,000. In addition, as more fully described in
Note  2,  IntelliQuest  acquired IntelliQuest  Communications  during  May 1996.
Unless otherwise specified, references herein to the "Company" or "IntelliQuest"
mean  IntelliQuest  Information  Group,  Inc.   and  all  of  its   wholly-owned
subsidiaries.
 
    THE DELAWARE REINCORPORATION
 
    In  connection with the  reincorporation, IntelliQuest exchanged  1 share of
its preferred stock and common stock  for every 1.364 shares of preferred  stock
and  common stock,  respectively, held by  the stockholders  of Old IntelliQuest
(the "Share Exchange"). All shares and per share amounts, including warrants and
options for such shares, included in the accompanying financial statements  have
been  adjusted to give  retroactive effect to  the Share Exchange. Additionally,
IntelliQuest's Certificate of Incorporation, amended following the  consummation
of  the initial  public offering, authorized  30,000,000 shares  of Common Stock
with a $.0001 par value  and 1,000,000 shares of  preferred stock with a  $.0001
par value. The Board of Directors has the authority to issue the preferred stock
and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, without
further vote or action by the stockholders.
 
2.  ACQUISITION
    In   May   1996,   IntelliQuest  completed   a   merger   with  IntelliQuest
Communications, Inc. ("IntelliQuest Communications," formerly known as  Pipeline
Communications, Inc.), which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of IntelliQuest. A
total  of 562,500 shares  of IntelliQuest common stock  and common stock options
were exchanged for all  outstanding shares of common  stock, stock options,  and
warrants  of IntelliQuest Communications. The transaction was accounted for as a
pooling of interests and therefore,  all prior period financial statements  have
been  restated as if  the acquisition had  taken place at  the beginning of such
periods.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
2.  ACQUISITION (CONTINUED)
    Separate results of operations for the  periods prior to the acquisition  of
IntelliQuest Communications are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    FOR THE YEAR ENDED                     FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                    ---------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------
                                    DECEMBER 31,     DECEMBER 31,       DECEMBER 31,       JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                        1993             1994               1995             1995           1996
                                    -------------  -----------------  -----------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                 <C>            <C>                <C>                <C>            <C>
                                                                                          (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
Revenues
  IntelliQuest....................    $   6,139       $    12,983        $    16,974      $     5,999    $     7,209
  IntelliQuest Communications.....           10             1,006              2,140            1,020          1,557
                                    -------------        --------           --------     -------------  -------------
Combined..........................        6,149       $    13,989        $    19,114      $     7,019    $     8,766
                                    -------------        --------           --------     -------------  -------------
Net Income (loss)
  IntelliQuest....................    $    (487)      $       (24)       $       911      $       212    $       464
  IntelliQuest Communications.....         (448)             (265)              (346)            (166)           (83)
                                    -------------        --------           --------     -------------  -------------
Combined..........................    $    (935)      $      (289)       $       565      $        46    $       381
                                    -------------        --------           --------     -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported amounts  of  assets and  liabilities and
disclosure of contingent  assets and liabilities  at the date  of the  financial
statements  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during the
reporting period. Since much of the Company's revenues are based upon percentage
of projects completed based on costs  input compared to total estimated  project
costs,  the determination of the resultant revenue requires ongoing estimates by
management of costs to complete these projects. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
 
    The accompanying consolidated  balance sheet  as of  June 30,  1996 and  the
related  consolidated statements  of operations, of  common stockholders' equity
(deficit) and of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996  are
unaudited  but, in the opinion of management include all adjustments (consisting
of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary  for a fair presentation of  results
for these interim periods.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The  Company  offers  renewable  subscription-based  products  which provide
similar information to a number of  clients at a shared-cost price. The  Company
also  offers proprietary tracking  products that manage  ongoing market feedback
and  proprietary  research.  Revenue  from  certain  annual   subscription-based
products  (such as Computer  Industry Media Study (CIMS))  and the related costs
are deferred until  delivery. Revenues from  other renewable  subscription-based
and   proprietary  tracking  products  containing   a  subscription  period  are
recognized on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. Revenues  from
processing  transactions are  recognized as  the transactions  are processed for
customers and are included in renewable proprietary products revenues.  Revenues
from  proprietary  research service  contracts are  recognized in  proportion to
performance required under  the contracts  (percentage of  completion) based  on
cost input. Losses on a given contract are recognized when determined probable.
 
    The  Company bills its clients  for products and services  based on terms of
the contracts,  which  may  not  coincide with  criteria  required  for  revenue
recognition. Deferred revenue represents amounts
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
invoiced  prior  to  rendering  the  related  services  while  unbilled  revenue
represents the  billing value  of  services rendered  prior to  being  invoiced.
Substantially  all the deferred and unbilled  revenue will be earned and billed,
respectively, within twelve months of the respective period ends.
 
    PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS
 
    Product development costs include  costs incurred to  develop or design  new
products,  services or  processes and  significantly enhance  existing products,
services and  processes and  are expensed  as incurred.  If material,  costs  to
develop  software, which is an  integral part of a  product or service, that are
incurred subsequent to  attaining technological feasibility  are capitalized  in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 86. These
costs  are then amortized on  a straight line basis  over the estimated economic
life or on the  ratio of current revenues  to total projected product  revenues,
whichever   is  greater.  To  date,   costs  incurred  subsequent  to  attaining
technological feasibility have been immaterial and therefore the Company has not
capitalized any such costs.
 
    REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    Redeemable convertible preferred  stock is presented  net of issuance  costs
and  approximates  redemption value.  As  discussed in  Note  9, all  holders of
redeemable convertible preferred  stock converted  their redeemable  convertible
preferred  stock into common stock concurrent with the closing of IntelliQuest's
initial public offering. The redeemable convertible preferred stockholders  also
received warrants to purchase 264,480 shares of Common Stock at $2.03 per share.
These warrants were exercised prior to the initial public offering.
 
    PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE
 
    The  Company's  historical  capital  structure  is  not  indicative  of  its
prospective structure  due  to  the  conversion  of  all  shares  of  redeemable
convertible  preferred stock into  common stock and the  exercise of warrants to
purchase common  stock concurrent  with  the closing  of the  Company's  initial
public  offering. Accordingly,  historical net  income (loss)  per share  is not
considered meaningful and has not been presented herein.
 
    Pro forma net income per share  is computed based upon the weighted  average
number  of common  shares outstanding  and gives  effect to  certain adjustments
described below. Common  equivalent shares  are not  included in  the per  share
calculations  where the effect of their  inclusion would be antidilutive, except
that,  for  1995   in  conformity   with  Securties   and  Exchange   Commission
requirements,  common and common  stock equivalent shares  issued by the Company
during the  twelve  month period  prior  to the  filing  of its  initial  public
offering  have been included in the calculation  as if they were outstanding for
all periods, using  the treasury stock  method and the  initial public  offering
price of $17 per share. Additionally, 1,055,718 shares of redeemable convertible
preferred  stock  designated as  the Series  A  Convertible Preferred  Stock and
797,328 shares  of  redeemable convertible  preferred  stock designated  as  the
Series  B Convertible  Preferred Stock were  assumed to have  been converted and
warrants to purchase 264,480  shares of Common Stock  were assumed to have  been
exercised  as of January 1, 1995. The redeemable convertible preferred stock was
converted and  the warrants  were  exercised in  connection with  the  Company's
initial public offering in March 1996.
 
    FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Furniture  and equipment is stated at  cost, net of accumulated depreciation
and amortization. Depreciation and amortization  is provided on a  straight-line
basis  over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets which range from
three to seven years.  Amortization of assets acquired  under capital leases  is
included in depreciation and amortization.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    PROJECT COSTS
 
    Costs  associated with CIMS are deferred and included in projects in process
until the results of the study are delivered. These costs include personnel  and
other  direct costs, as well as associated  overhead. Upon release of the study,
these costs are included in cost of revenues.
 
    Costs relating to  all other projects,  including development of  databases,
are expensed as incurred.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred  income  taxes  are provided  for  the tax  effects  of differences
between the financial reporting bases and the income tax bases of the  Company's
assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates.
 
    CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
 
    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities
of less than three months to be cash equivalents.
 
    Included  in cash  and equivalents  are investments  consisting primarily of
U.S. government debt securities with readily determinable fair market values. In
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting
for  Certain  Investments  in  Debt   and  Equity  Securities,"  the   Company's
investments  are classified as available-for-sale  and accordingly, are reported
at fair value,  with unrealized  gains and  losses reported  net of  taxes as  a
separate component of common stockholders' equity.
 
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The  carrying  amount of  cash,  accounts receivable,  accounts  payable and
accrued liabilities is a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of  the
short-term maturity of all such instruments.
 
    FOREIGN CURRENCIES
 
    The  foreign subsidiary  operates in  a local  currency environment. Balance
sheet accounts are translated  at exchange rates existing  at the balance  sheet
date.  Revenue and  expense accounts  are translated  at average  exchange rates
prevailing during the period. Translation  gains and losses are accumulated  and
reported  as a separate  component of stockholders' equity.  There have not been
material translation gains or losses as of December 31, 1995.
 
    NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    The Financial Accounting Standards Board  has issued Statement of  Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and  for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." The Company adopted the statement
in the first quarter of 1996 and the adoption did not have a material effect.
 
    The Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  recently  issued  Statement  of
Financial  Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
(FAS No. 123). FAS No. 123 establishes  a fair value based method of  accounting
for  stock-based compensation plans. It also allows for companies to continue to
follow the  intrinsic  value based  approach  previously allowed  with  footnote
disclosure  of the pro forma net income and earnings per share of the fair value
based approach. The Company  anticipates following this  latter approach so  the
impact on the Company's financial statements will not be significant.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
4.  FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
    Equipment   and  leasehold   improvements  consist  of   the  following  (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                     --------------------
                                                                                       1994       1995
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>        <C>
Equipment..........................................................................  $   1,235  $   1,782
Purchased software.................................................................        157        270
Furniture and fixtures.............................................................        356        508
Leasehold improvements.............................................................         46         96
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                         1,794      2,656
Less -- Accumulated depreciation and amortization..................................       (763)    (1,119)
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     $   1,031  $   1,537
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
                                                                                     ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Included in  the  December 31,  1994  and  1995 balances  of  equipment  are
$227,000 and $236,000, respectively, in assets acquired under lease. Accumulated
amortization  for these assets was $69,000 and $101,000 at December 31, 1994 and
1995, respectively, and amortization expense  was $33,000, $36,000 and  $32,000,
respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
 
5.  LINE OF CREDIT
    At  December 31, 1995, the Company had  a revolving line of credit available
of $3,000,000 for which there were no amounts outstanding at December 31,  1995.
The  line matures  on October  30, 1996 and  is available  for general corporate
purposes. It bears interest at the  bank's prime lending rate (8.5% at  December
31,  1995) plus  1.0%. Borrowings under  it are secured  by accounts receivable,
equipment and other assets  of the Company including  contract rights and  other
intangibles.  The  credit  agreement  contains  certain  restrictive  covenants,
including certain  restrictions on  the Company's  ability to  pay dividends  on
Common Stock.
 
6.  ACCRUED LIABILITIES
    Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                        --------------------
                                                                                          1994       1995
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
Accrued payroll and benefits..........................................................  $     177  $     482
Taxes payable and other accrued expenses..............................................         66        571
Accrued sales taxes...................................................................     --            210
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        $     243  $   1,263
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
7.  COMMITMENTS
    The  Company  leases  office  space, equipment  and  software  under certain
noncancellable  operating  and  capital  lease  agreements.  These  leases  have
expiration  dates ranging from  1997 through 2000.  Rent expense under operating
leases totaled $244,000, $337,000 and $473,000 for the years ended December  31,
1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
7.  COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)
    Future  minimum lease payments under all leases  as of December 31, 1995 are
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          CAPITAL   OPERATING
                                                          LEASES     LEASES
                                                          -------   ---------
    <S>                                                   <C>       <C>
    1996................................................   $ 72      $  638
    1997................................................     61         640
    1998................................................      5         195
    1999................................................   --           115
    2000................................................   --            34
                                                          -------   ---------
      Total minimum lease payments......................    138      $1,622
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
    Less: executory costs...............................     18
         amount representing interest...................     12
                                                          -------
    Present value of net minimum lease payments.........    108
    Less -- current portion.............................     50
                                                          -------
    Long-term portion...................................   $ 58
                                                          -------
                                                          -------
</TABLE>
 
8.  INCOME TAXES
    The income tax provision (benefit) is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FOR THE PERIOD    FOR THE
                                                   FROM MAY 28,    YEAR ENDED
                                                       1993         DECEMBER
                                                     THROUGH          31,
                                                   DECEMBER 31,    ----------
                                                       1993        1994  1995
                                                  --------------   ----  ----
    <S>                                           <C>              <C>   <C>
    Cumulative impact of change in tax status...      $ 148        $--   $--
    Current provision (benefit).................       (127)        --    577
    Deferred provision (benefit)................        (22)          2    16
                                                     ------        ----  ----
      Total provision (benefit) for income
       tax......................................      $  (1)       $  2  $593
                                                     ------        ----  ----
                                                     ------        ----  ----
</TABLE>
 
    The Company's Subchapter S tax status for income tax purposes terminated  in
1993  upon the acquisition  of Old IntelliQuest by  IntelliQuest. A deferred tax
liability of $148,000 representing  the cumulative tax  effect of net  temporary
differences  between the financial  reporting bases and the  income tax bases of
the Company's assets and liabilities existing  at that date was recorded in  the
Company's financial statements.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
8.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The  difference  between  the  income  tax  provisions  in  the consolidated
financial statements and the  tax at the statutory  federal rate are as  follows
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  FOR THE PERIOD     FOR THE
                                                   FROM MAY 28,    YEAR ENDED
                                                       1993         DECEMBER
                                                     THROUGH           31,
                                                   DECEMBER 31,    -----------
                                                       1993        1994   1995
                                                  --------------   ----   ----
    <S>                                           <C>              <C>    <C>
    Income tax (benefit) at statutory rate
     (based upon loss before income taxes for
     all of 1993)...............................      $(313)       $(98)  $394
    S Corporation losses for which no benefit is
     realized for portion of 1993 prior to May
     28, 1993...................................         27         --     --
    IntelliQuest Communications net loss for
     which no benefit is recognized.............        152          90    118
    Cumulative impact of change in tax status...        148         --     --
    State taxes, net of federal benefit.........        (14)         (1)    68
    Other, net..................................         (1)         11     13
                                                     ------        ----   ----
    Total provision (benefit)...................      $  (1)       $  2   $593
                                                     ------        ----   ----
                                                     ------        ----   ----
</TABLE>
 
    The principal components of the Company's deferred taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          --------------------
                                                                                            1994       1995
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Cash to accrual adjustments...........................................................  $     307  $     106
  Depreciation and other................................................................         49        113
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Gross deferred tax liability........................................................        356        219
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
Deferred tax assets:
  Product development costs.............................................................        153        141
  Allowance for doubtful accounts.......................................................         13        117
  Accrued vacation pay and other........................................................         29         26
  Net operating loss carryforward.......................................................        446        318
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Gross deferred tax assets...........................................................        641        602
  Less valuation allowance..............................................................        281        395
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
    Net deferred tax asset (liability)..................................................  $       4  $     (12)
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The  valuation allowance relates to the  deferred tax assets which carryover
from IntelliQuest  Communications, a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of  the  Company.
These  assets  include  net  operating  loss  carryforwards,  and  research  and
experimentation credit carryforwards.  These carryforwards may  only be used  to
offset  tax liabilities generated by IntelliQuest Communications. Because of the
uncertainties with respect to  IntelliQuest Communications' ability to  generate
sufficient  future  taxable  income to  realize  these assets,  the  Company has
provided a valuation allowance against  all of IntelliQuest Communications'  net
deferred tax assets.
 
    As  of December 31, 1995, IntelliQuest Communications has net operating loss
and research and  experimentation credit  carryforwards for  Federal income  tax
purposes   of   approximately   $934,000   and   $34,000,   respectively.  These
carryforwards expire beginning 2008 through 2010.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
9.  REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
    In  May  1993,  the  Company  authorized  1,853,046  shares  of   redeemable
convertible preferred stock, of which 1,055,718 shares were designated as Series
A  Redeemable Convertible Preferred  Stock (the "Series  A Preferred Stock") and
797,328 shares  were designated  as Series  B Redeemable  Convertible  Preferred
Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock"). Both Series A Preferred Stock and Series
B  Preferred Stock  (the "Preferred  Stock") have  par value  of $1.00  and were
recorded net of total issuance costs of $100,000.
 
    The holders of  Preferred Stock  converted their shares  of Preferred  Stock
into  the Company's Series A Common Stock at  a conversion ratio of one share of
Preferred Stock for one share of  Common Stock in connection with the  Company's
initial public offering in March 1996.
 
    The  Preferred Stock was mandatorily redeemable at the option of the holders
in three equal  annual lots  of shares beginning  May 28,  1999. The  redemption
price  was $1.36  per share  ("Stated Value") for  Series A  Preferred Stock and
$2.96 per share ("Stated  Value") for Series B  Preferred Stock, plus an  annual
premium  of 7% of the Stated  Value of the stock for  both Series A and Series B
Preferred Stock.
 
    The carrying value of the Preferred Stock is as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SERIES A PREFERRED      SERIES B PREFERRED
                                 STOCK $1.00 PAR VALUE   STOCK $1.00 PAR VALUE           TOTAL
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
                                   SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT
                                 -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
<S>                              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Issuance of stock..............        1,056  $   1,440          797  $   2,360        1,853  $   3,800
Stock issuance costs...........                     (38)                    (62)                   (100)
Accretion of premium...........                      62                     100                     162
                                 -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1993...        1,056      1,464          797      2,398        1,853      3,862
Accretion of premium...........                     106                     173                     279
                                 -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994...        1,056      1,570          797      2,571        1,853      4,141
Accretion of premium...........                     106                     173                     279
                                 -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995...        1,056  $   1,676          797  $   2,744        1,853  $   4,420
                                 -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                 -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    WARRANTS
 
    The holders of  the Preferred  Stock were  also issued  warrants to  acquire
264,480  shares of Common Stock for $2.03 per share at any time prior to May 28,
1997. These warrants were exercised for 264,480 shares of Common Stock upon  the
closing of the Company's initial public offering.
 
10. STOCK OPTIONS
 
    1993 STOCK PLAN
 
    A  total of 344,256 shares  of the Company's Series  B Common Stock has been
authorized  for  issuance.   Under  the   Plan,  incentive   stock  options   or
non-qualified  stock options  may be granted  with exercise  prices equaling the
fair market  value of  the stock  at the  time of  grant, as  determined by  the
Company's  Board of Directors unless  the optionee owns greater  than 10% of the
voting power of all  classes of stock,  in which case the  option price will  be
110%  of the  fair value at  the date  of grant, as  determined by  the Board of
Directors. Options granted  under the plan  generally have a  term of ten  years
from  the date of grant and generally vest over a five-year period. If an option
expires or becomes unexercisable for any reason, options related to the unissued
shares become available for grant.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
10. STOCK OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
    The following table summarizes stock  option activity during 1993, 1994  and
1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                                                                     SHARES    -----------------------
                                                                   AVAILABLE               PRICE PER
                                                                   FOR GRANT    SHARES       SHARE
                                                                   ----------  ---------  ------------
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>        <C>
Options authorized...............................................         344
Options granted..................................................         (60)        60      $.14
Options canceled.................................................      --         --
                                                                   ----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1993.....................................         284         60      $.14
Options granted..................................................        (111)       111   $.14-$9.26
Options canceled.................................................          31        (31)     $.14
                                                                   ----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1994.....................................         204        140   $.14-$9.26
Options granted..................................................         (90)        90   $.40-$9.26
Options canceled.................................................          15        (15)  $.14-$9.26
                                                                   ----------  ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995.....................................         129        215   $.14-$9.26
                                                                   ----------  ---------
                                                                   ----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Options  canceled  represent the  unexercised  options of  former employees,
returned to the option  pool in accordance  with the terms  of the stock  option
plan,  upon their departure from the  Company. In connection with options issued
during 1995, the  Company is recognizing  compensation expense totaling  $68,000
over the vesting period.
 
    OTHER STOCK OPTION GRANTS
 
    IntelliQuest Communications had previously issued stock options and warrants
to  non-employees. IntelliQuest Communications' options and warrants outstanding
as of December 31, 1995 were converted into options to purchase 16,408 shares of
IntelliQuest common stock upon the acquisition of IntelliQuest Communications.
 
    REPURCHASE OF OPTIONS
 
    During 1992, prior  to formation  of IntelliQuest,  Old IntelliQuest  issued
stock  options to  an officer  to purchase  43,235 shares  of Common  Stock at a
purchase price based upon the fair value of the Company as of the date of  grant
as  adjusted  for certain  dividends  paid between  the  date of  grant  and the
exercise date. These options were accounted for as variable options. The options
were repurchased  by  IntelliQuest in  conjunction  with the  formation  of  the
Company  for their estimated  fair value of  $250,000 and canceled. Compensation
expense was  recognized  in  1993  for the  difference  ($200,000)  between  the
compensation recorded in 1992 ($50,000) and the purchase price of the options.
 
11. EMPLOYEES' SAVINGS PLAN
    The  Company's 401(k) Savings and Retirement  Plan is a defined contribution
retirement plan with  a cash  or deferred  arrangement as  described in  Section
401(k)  of  the Code  (the "401(k)  Plan"). The  401(k) Plan  is intended  to be
qualified under Section  401(a) of the  Code. All employees  of the Company  are
eligible  to  participate in  the 401(k)  Plan after  approximately one  year of
employment. The  401(k)  Plan  provides  that  each  participant  make  elective
contributions  from 1% to 15%  of his or her  compensation, subject to statutory
limits. Under  the  terms  of  the  401(k)  Plan,  allocation  of  the  matching
contribution  is integrated with Social  Security, in accordance with applicable
nondiscrimination rules under the Code. The Company made matching  contributions
in the amount of $11,000 in 1993, $5,000 in 1994 and $30,000 in 1995.
 
12. SIGNIFICANT CLIENTS AND CREDIT RISKS
    The Company has relied on a limited number of key customers for the majority
of  its  revenues.  In addition,  there  has been  significant  consolidation of
companies in the technology industries served by
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
12. SIGNIFICANT CLIENTS AND CREDIT RISKS (CONTINUED)
the Company, a trend which the Company  believes will continue. The loss of  one
or  more of the Company's large customers or a significant reduction of business
from such customers,  regardless of the  reason, would have  a material  adverse
effect on the Company.
 
    Revenues from certain significant clients are, as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1993   1994   1995
                                                            ----   ----   ----
    <S>                                                     <C>    <C>    <C>
    Client 1..............................................    4%    11%    15%
    Client 2..............................................    8%     8%    11%
    Client 3..............................................   13%     4%     5%
    Client 4..............................................   12%    12%     5%
</TABLE>
    
 
    Additionally,  at December 31,  1994 and 1995,  certain clients had accounts
receivable and unbilled revenue balances with the Company which represented  the
following amounts of total net accounts receivable and unbilled revenues:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1994   1995
                                                            ----   ----
    <S>                                                     <C>    <C>
    Client 1..............................................    9%    23%
    Client 2..............................................    7%    20%
    Client 5..............................................   14%     5%
</TABLE>
    
 
    The  Company  sells  its products  to  various companies  in  technology and
publication industries. The Company performs  ongoing credit evaluations of  its
customers  and  maintains  reserves  for potential  credit  losses.  Neither the
reserves established nor the losses  incurred have been material.  Additionally,
the  Company has no  significant off-balance-sheet concentration  of credit risk
such  as  foreign  exchange  contracts,  options  contracts  or  other   hedging
agreements.
 
13. GEOGRAPHIC DATA
    Revenue  includes  export sales  to unaffiliated  non-U.S. customers  and to
unaffiliated U.S. customers commissioning information-gathering services abroad,
generally on behalf of their  foreign subsidiaries. The Company defines  "Europe
Sales"  as revenues attributable  to information gathering  services provided in
Western Europe and "Other International  Sales" as revenues attributable to  all
other areas located outside of the United States.
 
    Summarized  revenue  information by  geographic location  is as  follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1993       1994       1995
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Europe...........................................................  $     552  $   2,558  $   3,817
Other International..............................................         75        210      1,060
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                   $     627  $   2,768  $   4,877
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                   *    *    *
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    NO  DEALER, SALES REPRESENTATIVE, OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO
GIVE ANY  INFORMATION OR  TO MAKE  ANY REPRESENTATION  IN CONNECTION  WITH  THIS
PROSPECTUS, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE
RELIED  UPON  AS HAVING  BEEN  AUTHORIZED BY  THE  COMPANY, ANY  OF  THE SELLING
STOCKHOLDERS OR ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE  AN
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY
BY  ANYONE  IN ANY  JURISDICTION  IN WHICH  SUCH  OFFER OR  SOLICITATION  IS NOT
QUALIFIED OR  TO ANY  PERSON  TO WHOM  IT  IS UNLAWFUL  TO  MAKE SUCH  OFFER  OR
SOLICITATION.  NEITHER  THE  DELIVERY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS  NOR  ANY  SALE MADE
HEREUNDER  SHALL  UNDER  ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES  CREATE  ANY  IMPLICATION  THAT  THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF
THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                               ------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Additional Information....................................................    2
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Risk Factors..............................................................    7
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   13
Dividend Policy...........................................................   13
Price Range of Common Stock...............................................   13
Capitalization............................................................   14
Selected Consolidated Financial Data......................................   15
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................   16
Business..................................................................   26
Management................................................................   37
Certain Transactions......................................................   43
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................   44
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   45
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...........................................   48
Underwriting..............................................................   49
Legal Matters.............................................................   50
Experts...................................................................   50
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements................................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                2,881,000 SHARES
 
                              [INTELLIQUEST LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                                          , 1996
                             ---------------------
 
                            WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY
 
                         ROBERTSON, STEPHENS & COMPANY
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
    The   following  table  sets  forth  the  costs  and  expenses,  other  than
underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by the Registrant in  connection
with the sale of Common Stock being registered. All amounts are estimates except
the registration fee.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     AMOUNT
                                                                                      TO BE
                                                                                      PAID
                                                                                   -----------
<S>                                                                                <C>
Registration Fee.................................................................  $    31,561
NASD Filing Fee..................................................................       10,000
Nasdaq National Market Listing Fee...............................................       17,500
Printing and Engraving...........................................................       75,000
Legal Fees and Expenses..........................................................       60,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses.....................................................       40,000
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.......................................................        7,500
Transfer Agent Fees..............................................................        3,000
Miscellaneous....................................................................        5,439
                                                                                   -----------
      Total......................................................................  $   250,000
                                                                                   -----------
                                                                                   -----------
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    As  permitted by  Section 145 of  the Delaware General  Corporation Law, the
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation includes  a provision that limits  the
personal  liability of its directors for  monetary damages for breach or alleged
breach of their fiduciary  duties. In addition, as  permitted by Section 145  of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Bylaws of the Registrant provide that:
(i) the Registrant is required to indemnify its directors and executive officers
and persons serving in such capacities in other business enterprises (including,
for example, subsidiaries of the Registrant) at the Registrant's request, to the
fullest  extent permitted by  Delaware law, including  in those circumstances in
which indemnification would otherwise be discretionary; (ii) the Registrant may,
in its discretion, indemnify employees  and agents in those circumstances  where
indemnification  is not  required by  law; (iii)  the Registrant  is required to
advance expenses,  as  incurred, to  its  directors and  executive  officers  in
connection  with  defending a  proceeding  (except that  it  is not  required to
advance expenses to  a person against  whom the Registrant  brings a claim)  for
breach  of  the duty  of  loyalty, failure  to  act in  good  faith, intentional
misconduct, knowing violation of law  or deriving an improper personal  benefit;
(iv) the rights conferred in the Bylaws are not exclusive, and the Registrant is
authorized   to  enter  into  indemnification  agreements  with  its  directors,
executive officers and employees; and  (v) the Registrant may not  retroactively
amend  the  Bylaw provisions  in a  way that  adversely affects  such directors,
executive officers and employees.
 
    The Registrant's policy  is to  enter into  indemnification agreements  with
each  of its directors and executive officers that provide the maximum indemnity
allowed to  directors and  executive officers  by Section  145 of  the  Delaware
General Corporation Law and the Bylaws, as well as certain additional procedural
protections.  In addition, the  indemnity agreements provide  that directors and
executive officers  will  be indemnified  to  the fullest  possible  extent  not
prohibited   by  law  against  all  expenses  (including  attorney's  fees)  and
settlement amounts  paid  or incurred  by  them  in any  action  or  proceeding,
including any derivative action by or in the right of the Registrant, on account
of  their services as  directors or executive  officers of the  Registrant or as
directors or officers of any other  company or enterprise when they are  serving
in  such capacities at the request of the Registrant. The Registrant will not be
obligated pursuant to the indemnity agreements to indemnify or advance  expenses
to  an indemnified party with respect to  proceedings or claims initiated by the
indemnified party and not by way of defense, except with respect to  proceedings
specifically  authorized by the Board of Directors or brought to enforce a right
to   indemnification   under   the   indemnity   agreement,   the   Registrant's
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
Bylaws  or  any statute  or law.  Under  the agreements,  the Registrant  is not
obligated to indemnify the  indemnified party (i) for  any expenses incurred  by
the  indemnified  party  with  respect  to  any  proceeding  instituted  by  the
indemnified party to enforce or interpret the agreement, if a court of competent
jurisdiction determines  that  each  of  the material  assertions  made  by  the
indemnified  party  in  such  proceeding  was not  made  in  good  faith  or was
frivolous; (ii) for any  amounts paid in settlement  of a proceeding unless  the
Registrant  consents to  such settlement; (iii)  with respect  to any proceeding
brought by the Registrant against the indemnified party for willful  misconduct,
unless a court determines that each of such claims was not made in good faith or
was frivolous; (iv) on account of any suit in which judgment is rendered against
the  indemnified party for  an accounting of  profits made from  the purchase or
sale by the indemnified  party of securities of  the Registrant pursuant to  the
provisions  of Section 16(b) of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 and related
laws; (v)  on  account of  the  indemnified  party's conduct  which  is  finally
adjudged  to have  been knowingly  fraudulent or  deliberately dishonest,  or to
constitute willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the law; (vi) on account
of any conduct  from which the  indemnified party derived  an improper  personal
benefit;  (vii)  on account  of  conduct the  indemnified  party believed  to be
contrary to the best interests of  the Registrant or its stockholders; (vii)  on
account  of conduct that constituted a breach of the indemnified party's duty of
loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders; or (ix) if a final decision by  a
court   having   jurisdiction  in   the   matter  shall   determine   that  such
indemnification is not lawful.
 
    The  indemnification  provision  in  the  Bylaws  and  the   indemnification
agreements  entered into between the Registrant  and its directors and executive
officers,  may  be   sufficiently  broad  to   permit  indemnification  of   the
Registrant's officers and directors for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").
 
    Reference  is  made to  the following  documents filed  as exhibits  to this
Registration Statement regarding  relevant indemnification provisions  described
above and elsewhere herein:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     EXHIBIT
    DOCUMENT                                                         NUMBER
    ---------------------------------------------------------------  -------
    <S>                                                              <C>
    Form of Underwriting Agreement.................................   1.1***
    Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated May 30, 1996, by
     and among IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., a Delaware
     corporation, Pipeline Communications, Inc., a Georgia
     corporation and IntelliQuest Delaware, Inc., a Delaware
     corporation...................................................   2.1**
    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation..............   3.1*
    Amended and Restated Bylaws....................................   3.2*
    Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by the
     Registrant with each of its directors and executive
     officers......................................................  10.1*
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
  * Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
    S-1 (File No. 333-00844), as amended, declared effective March 21, 1996.
 
 ** Incorporated  by reference to  the Registrant's Current  Report on Form 8-K,
    dated May 31, 1996.
 
*** Previously filed.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
    Since September 1, 1993,  the Registrant has sold  and issued the  following
securities  (as adjusted to  reflect the Registrant's  1-for-1.364 reverse stock
split effected in March 1996):
 
    1.  The  Registrant has  issued options to  purchase 422,750  shares of  its
Common Stock to certain of its employees at a weighted-average exercise price of
$6.88  per share. Of  such option shares, approximately  18,571 shares are fully
exercisable as of August 31, 1996.
 
    2.  On May 31, 1996, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 562,500 shares of
Common Stock in exchange for all outstanding shares of common stock, and options
and  warrants  to  acquire  common  stock,  of  Pipeline  Communications,   Inc.
("Pipeline"), a Georgia corporation.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
    The issuances described in item 1 were deemed exempt from registration under
the  1933  Act in  reliance upon  Rule 701  promulgated under  the 1933  Act. In
addition, the  recipients of  securities in  each such  transaction  represented
their  intentions to acquire the  securities for investment only  and not with a
view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and  appropriate
legends  were affixed to the share certificates issued in such transactions. All
recipients had adequate access, through their relationships with the Registrant,
to information about the Registrant.
 
    The issuance described in item 2  was deemed exempt from registration  under
the  1933  Act  in  reliance  upon  Regulation  D  promulgated  thereunder.  All
recipients had  adequate access,  through  a shareholder  information  statement
distributed to all shareholders of Pipeline prior to the meeting of shareholders
at which the transaction was approved, to information about the Registrant.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
    <S>      <C>
     1.1***  Form of Underwriting Agreement (draft dated September 23,
              1996).
     2.1**   Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated May 30, 1996, by
              and among IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., a Delaware
              corporation, Pipeline Communications, Inc., a Georgia
              corporation, and IntelliQuest Delaware, Inc., a Delaware
              corporation.
     3.1*    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
              Registrant.
     3.2*    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.
     4.1*    Form of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate.
     5.1     Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati regarding legality
              of the securities being issued.
    10.1*    Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by the
              Registrant with each of its directors and executive officers.
    10.2*    Amended 1993 IQI Corp. Stock Option Plan and related
              agreements.
    10.3     1996 Stock Plan and related agreements.
    10.4*    1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and related agreements.
    10.5     1996 Director Option Plan and related agreement.
    10.6*    Stock Purchase Agreement among the Registrant and certain
              securityholders of the Company, dated as of May 28, 1993.
    10.7*    Loan and Security Agreement, between the Company and Silicon
              Valley Bank, dated September 24, 1993, as amended and with
              exhibits.
    10.8*    Lease Agreement between the Company and JMB Group Trust III,
              dated September 15, 1992, as amended.
    10.9***  Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 31, 1996, by and among
              the Company and the former shareholders of Pipeline
              Communications, Inc.
    11.1***  Statement of computation of earnings per share.
    21.1***  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
    23.1     Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (included in
              Exhibit 5.1).
    23.2     Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
    <S>      <C>
    24.1***  Power of Attorney (see page II-5).
    27.1***  Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
   * Incorporated  by reference  to the  Registrant's Registration  Statement on
     Form S-1 (File  No. 333-00844),  as amended, declared  effective March  21,
     1996.
 
  ** Incorporated  by reference to the Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     dated May 31, 1996.
 
 *** Previously filed.
 
   
    (b) Financial Statement Schedules
    
 
    Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth
therein is  not applicable  or is  shown in  the financial  statements or  notes
thereto.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
    The  undersigned hereby  undertakes to  provide to  the Underwriters  at the
closing  specified  in   the  Underwriting  Agreement,   certificates  in   such
denominations  and registered in  such names as required  by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
    Insofar as  indemnification for  liabilities arising  under the  Act may  be
permitted  to  directors, officers  and  controlling persons  of  the Registrant
pursuant to the provisions referenced in Item 14 of this Registration  Statement
or  otherwise,  the Registrant  has  been advised  that  in the  opinion  of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Act, and is,  therefore, unenforceable. In the event that  a
claim  for indemnification against  such liabilities (other  than the payment by
the Registrant  of  expenses  incurred  or  paid  by  a  director,  officer,  or
controlling  person of the  Registrant in the successful  defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling  person
in  connection with  the securities  being registered  hereunder, the Registrant
will, unless  in the  opinion of  its counsel  the matter  has been  settled  by
controlling  precedent,  submit  to  a  court  of  appropriate  jurisdiction the
question whether  such  indemnification  by  it  is  against  public  policy  as
expressed  in the  Act and will  be governed  by the final  adjudication of such
issue.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
        (1) For  purposes  of  determining  any liability  under  the  Act,  the
    information  omitted  from the  form  of Prospectus  filed  as part  of this
    Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
    Prospectus filed by  the Registrant  pursuant to  Rule 424(b)(1)  or (4)  or
    497(h)  under  the Act  shall  be deemed  to  be part  of  this Registration
    Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        (2) For the  purpose of determining  any liability under  the Act,  each
    post-effective  amendment that contains a form of Prospectus shall be deemed
    to be  a  new Registration  Statement  relating to  the  securities  offered
    therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
    be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly  caused this  Amendment to  Registration Statement  on Form  S-1 to  be
signed  on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Austin, State of Texas, on this 15th day of October, 1996.
    
 
                                          INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
 
                                          By:        /s/  JAMES SCHELLHASE
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                      James Schellhase,
                                                 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND
                                                 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND
                                                         DIRECTOR
 
    PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE  SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS  AMENDMENT
TO  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT HAS  BEEN  SIGNED BY  THE  FOLLOWING PERSONS  IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                               TITLE                     DATE
- -------------------------------------------  ------------------------------  -----------------
 
<C>                                          <S>                             <C>
                     *                       Chairman of the Board and
 ----------------------------------------     Chief Executive Officer        October 15, 1996
               Peter Zandan                   (Principal Executive Officer)
 
                                             Chief Operating Officer and
           /s/ JAMES SCHELLHASE               Chief Financial Officer and
 ----------------------------------------     Director (Principal Financial  October 15, 1996
             James Schellhase                 and Accounting Officer)
 
                     *
 ----------------------------------------    President and Director          October 15, 1996
              Brian Sharples
 
                     *
 ----------------------------------------    Director                        October 15, 1996
                Lee Walker
 
                     *
 ----------------------------------------    Director                        October 15, 1996
               William Wood
 
         *By: /s/ JAMES SCHELLHASE
             ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT                                       EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- ------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>           <S>                                                                                      <C>
   1.1***     Form of Underwriting Agreement (draft dated September 23, 1996).
   2.1**      Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated May 30, 1996, by and among IntelliQuest
               Information Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Pipeline Communications, Inc., a
               Georgia corporation, and IntelliQuest Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
   3.1*       Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.
   3.2*       Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.
   4.1*       Form of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate.
   5.1        Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati regarding legality of the securities being
               issued.
  10.1*       Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by the Registrant with each of its
               directors and executive officers.
  10.2*       Amended 1993 IQI Corp. Stock Option Plan and related agreements.
  10.3        1996 Stock Plan and related agreements.
  10.4*       1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and related agreements.
  10.5        1996 Director Option Plan and related agreement.
  10.6*       Stock Purchase Agreement among the Registrant and certain securityholders of the
               Company, dated as of May 28, 1993.
  10.7*       Loan and Security Agreement, between the Company and Silicon Valley Bank, dated
               September 24, 1993, as amended and with exhibits.
  10.8*       Lease Agreement between the Company and JMB Group Trust III, dated September 15, 1992,
               as amended.
  10.9***     Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 31, 1996, by and among the Company and the
               former shareholders of Pipeline Communications, Inc.
  11.1***     Statement of computation of earnings per share.
  21.1***     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
  23.1        Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (included in Exhibit 5.1).
  23.2        Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants.
  24.1***     Power of Attorney (See page II-5).
  27.1***     Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   * Incorporated  by reference  to the  Registrant's Registration  Statement on
     Form S-1 (File  No. 333-00844),  as amended, declared  effective March  21,
     1996.
 
  ** Incorporated  by reference to the Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     dated May 31, 1996.
 
   
 *** Previously filed.
    

<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 5.1

                       WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                           PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION


                              650 PAGE MILL ROAD
                       PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304-1050
                TELEPHONE 415-493-9300   FACSIMILE 415-493-6811

                                                               JOHN ARNOT WILSON
                                                                     RETIRED

                               October 14, 1996



IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
Building Two, Plaza One
Austin, TX 78746

    RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have examined the Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on 
Form S-1 to be filed by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 
October 15, 1996 (as such may thereafter be amended or supplemented, the 
"Registration Statement"), in connection with the registration under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 3,313,150 shares of your Common Stock, 
$0.0001 par value (the "Shares").  The Shares include an over-allotment 
option granted to the underwriters to purchase 432,150 Shares.  We understand 
that the Shares are to be sold to the underwriters for resale to the public 
as described in the Registration Statement.  As your legal counsel, we have 
examined the proceedings taken, and are familiar with the proceedings 
proposed to be taken, by you in connection with the sale and issuance of the 
Shares.

    It is our opinion that, upon completion of the proceedings being taken or
contemplated by us, as your counsel, to be taken prior to the issuance of the
Shares, including the proceedings being taken in order to permit such
transaction to be carried out in accordance with applicable state securities
laws, the Shares, when issued and sold in the manner described in the
Registration Statement and in accordance with the resolutions adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Company, will be legally and validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.

    We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including the Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and any amendments thereto.

                             Very truly yours,
                             WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                             Professional Corporation




<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.3

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.
                                 1996 STOCK PLAN



     1.   PURPOSES OF THE PLAN.  The purposes of this Stock Plan are:

          -    to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions
               of substantial responsibility,

          -    to provide additional incentive to Employees and Consultants,
               and

          -    to promote the success of the Company's business.

     Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of
grant.  Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.

     2.   DEFINITIONS.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

          (a)  "ADMINISTRATOR" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall
be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

          (b)  "APPLICABLE LAWS" means the requirements relating to the
administration of stock option plans under U. S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation
system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of
any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are,
or will be, granted under the Plan.

          (c)  "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (d)  "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (e)  "COMMITTEE"  means a committee of Directors appointed by the
Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

          (f)  "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.

          (g)  "COMPANY" means IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

          (h)  "CONSULTANT" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by
the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.

          (i)  "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.

<PAGE>

          (j)  "DISABILITY" means total and permanent disability as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

          (k)  "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including Officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  A Service
Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the
Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety days,
unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or
contract.  If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
Company is not so guaranteed, on the 181st day of such leave any Incentive Stock
Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock
Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company
shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (l)  "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (m)  "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

               (i)    If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

               (ii)   If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of
determination, as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as
the Administrator deems reliable;

               (iii)  In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.

          (n)  "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" means an Option intended to qualify as
an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

          (o)  "NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION" means an Option not intended to
qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

          (p)  "NOTICE OF GRANT" means a written or electronic notice evidencing
certain terms and conditions of an individual Option or Stock Purchase Right
grant.  The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement.

          (q)  "OFFICER" means a person who is an officer of the Company within
the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

          (r)  "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (s)  "OPTION AGREEMENT" means an agreement between the Company and an
Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant.  The
Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.

          (t)  "OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM" means a program whereby outstanding
options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price.

          (u)  "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option or
Stock Purchase Right.

          (v)  "OPTIONEE" means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock
Purchase Right granted under the Plan.

          (w)  "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (x)  "PLAN" means this 1996 Stock Plan.

          (y)  "RESTRICTED STOCK" means shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant
to a grant of Stock Purchase Rights under Section 11 below.

          (z)  "RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means a written agreement
between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the terms and restrictions
applying to stock purchased under a Stock Purchase Right.  The Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the
Notice of Grant.

          (aa) "RULE 16b-3" means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any
successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with
respect to the Plan.

          (bb) "SECTION 16(b)" means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

          (cc) "SERVICE PROVIDER" means an Employee or Consultant.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

          (dd) "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

          (ee) "STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT" means the right to purchase Common Stock
pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, as evidenced by a Notice of Grant.

          (ff) "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation", whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

     3.   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 300,000 Shares.  The Shares may be authorized, but unissued,
or reacquired Common Stock.

          If an Option or Stock Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable
without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option
Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become
available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated); PROVIDED, however, that Shares that have actually been issued under
the Plan, whether upon exercise of an Option or Right, shall not be returned to
the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan,
except that if Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at
their original purchase price, such Shares shall become available for future
grant under the Plan.

     4.   ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  PROCEDURE.

               (i)    MULTIPLE ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES.  The Plan may be
administered by different Committees with respect to different groups of Service
Providers.

               (ii)   SECTION 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator
determines it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as
"performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the
Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more "outside
directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.

               (iii)  RULE 16b-3.  To the extent desirable to qualify
transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated
hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under
Rule 16b-3.

               (iv)   OTHER ADMINISTRATION.  Other than as provided above, the
Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee
shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

          (b)  POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.  Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated
by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in
its discretion:

               (i)    to determine the Fair Market Value;

               (ii)   to select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock
Purchase Rights may be granted hereunder;

               (iii)  to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be
covered by each Option and Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder;

               (iv)   to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;

               (v)    to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent
with the terms of the Plan, of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted
hereunder.  Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the
exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be
exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration
or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation
regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the shares of Common Stock
relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, shall determine;

               (vi)   to reduce the exercise price of any Option or Stock
Purchase Right to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock covered by such Option or Stock Purchase Right shall have
declined since the date the Option or Stock Purchase Right was granted;

               (vii)  to institute an Option Exchange Program;

               (viii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards
granted pursuant to the Plan;

               (ix)   to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under
foreign tax laws;

               (x)    to modify or amend each Option or Stock Purchase Right
(subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to
extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is
otherwise provided for in the Plan;

               (xi)   to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations
by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option or Stock


                                       -5-

<PAGE>

Purchase Right that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the
amount required to be withheld.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be
withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld
is to be determined.  All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld for
this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the
Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

               (xii)  to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the
Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right previously granted by the Administrator;

               (xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for administering the Plan.

          (c)  EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATOR'S DECISION.  The Administrator's
decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all
Optionees and any other holders of Options or Stock Purchase Rights.

     5.   ELIGIBILITY.  Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may
be granted to Service Providers.  Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees.

     6.   LIMITATIONS.

          (a)  Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option.  However,
notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such
Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.  For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order
in which they were granted.  The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be
determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.

          (b)  Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's
relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in
any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such
relationship at any time, with or without cause.

          (c)  The following limitations shall apply to grants of Options:

               (i)    No Service Provider shall be granted, in any fiscal year
of the Company, Options to purchase more than 300,000 Shares.


                                       -6-

<PAGE>

               (ii)   In connection with his or her initial service, a Service
Provider may be granted Options to purchase up to an additional 300,000 Shares
which shall not count against the limit set forth in subsection (i) above.

               (iii)  The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted
proportionately in connection with any change in the Company's capitalization as
described in Section 13.

               (iv)   If an Option is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the
Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction
described in Section 13), the cancelled Option will be counted against the
limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above.  For this purpose, if the
exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.

     7.   TERM OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the
Board.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless
terminated earlier under Section 15 of the Plan.

     8.   TERM OF OPTION.  The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option
Agreement.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term shall be ten (10)
years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the
Option Agreement.  Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to
an Optionee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive
Stock Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term
as may be provided in the Option Agreement.

     9.   OPTION EXERCISE PRICE AND CONSIDERATION.

          (a)  EXERCISE PRICE.  The per share exercise price for the Shares to
be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the
Administrator, subject to the following:

               (i)    In the case of an Incentive Stock Option

                      (A)   granted to an Employee who, at the time the
Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent
(10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent
or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

                      (B)   granted to any Employee other than an Employee
described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price shall
be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

               (ii)   In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share
exercise price shall be determined by the Administrator.  In the case of a
Nonstatutory Stock Option intended to


                                       -7-

<PAGE>

qualify as "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m)
of the Code, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

               (iii)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with
a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share
on the date of grant pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

          (b)  WAITING PERIOD AND EXERCISE DATES.  At the time an Option is
granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be
exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the
Option may be exercised.

          (c)  FORM OF CONSIDERATION.  The Administrator shall determine the
acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method
of payment.  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall
determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant.  Such
consideration may consist entirely of:

               (i)    cash;

               (ii)   check;

               (iii)  promissory note;

               (iv)   other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon
exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months
on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of
surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said
Option shall be exercised;

               (v)    consideration received by the Company under a cashless
exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;

               (vi)   a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the
Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation
in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement;

               (vii)  any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or

               (viii) such other consideration and method of payment for the
issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

     10.  EXERCISE OF OPTION.


                                       -8-

<PAGE>

          (a)  PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at
such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set
forth in the Option Agreement.  Unless the Administrator provides otherwise,
vesting of Options granted hereunder shall be tolled during any unpaid leave of
absence.  An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

               An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives:
(i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option
Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full
payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.  Full
payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the
Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan.  Shares issued
upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse.
Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books
of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the
Option is exercised.  No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right
for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as
provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

               Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of
Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under
the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.

          (b)  TERMINATION OF RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER.  If an
Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death
or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of
time as is specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is
vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of
the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement).  In the absence
of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable
for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination.  If, on the date of
termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (c)  DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  If an Optionee ceases to be a Service
Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his
or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement
to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event
later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option
Agreement).  In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the
Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's
termination.  If, on the date of


                                       -9-

<PAGE>

termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the
Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within
the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by
such Option shall revert to the Plan.

          (d)  DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider,
the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the
Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such
Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a
person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance,
but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death.  In the
absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain
exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination.  If, at
the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option,
the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately
revert to the Plan.  The Option may be exercised by the executor or
administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to
exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent or
distribution.  If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified
herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall
revert to the Plan.

          (e)  BUYOUT PROVISIONS.  The Administrator may at any time offer to
buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted based on
such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate
to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made.

     11.  STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.

          (a)  RIGHTS TO PURCHASE.  Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either
alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan
and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan.  After the Administrator determines
that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights under the Plan, it shall advise the
offeree in writing or electronically, by means of a Notice of Grant, of the
terms, conditions and restrictions related to the offer, including the number of
Shares that the offeree shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and
the time within which the offeree must accept such offer.  The offer shall be
accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in the form
determined by the Administrator.

          (b)  REPURCHASE OPTION.  Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's service with the Company for any reason (including death or
Disability).  The purchase price for Shares repurchased pursuant to the
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original price paid by the
purchaser and may be paid by cancellation of any indebtedness of the purchaser
to the Company.  The repurchase option shall lapse at a rate determined by the
Administrator.



                                      -10-

<PAGE>

          (c)  OTHER PROVISIONS.  The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall
contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the
Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.

          (d)  RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER.  Once the Stock Purchase Right is
exercised, the purchaser shall have the rights equivalent to those of a
stockholder, and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon
the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company.  No adjustment
will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to
the date the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, except as provided in Section 13
of the Plan.

     12.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS AND STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS.  Unless
determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option or Stock Purchase Right may
not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any
manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be
exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.  If the
Administrator makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall contain such additional terms and conditions as
the Administrator deems appropriate.

     13.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION, MERGER OR
          ASSET SALE.

          (a)  CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.  Subject to any required action by the
stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by
each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right, and the number of shares of
Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to
which no Options or Stock Purchase Rights have yet been granted or which have
been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
such outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right, shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt
of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration."  Such adjustment shall be made by the Board,
whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of
stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class,
shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to,
the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option or Stock
Purchase Right.

          (b)  DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION.  In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed
transaction.  The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to
have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to


                                      -11-

<PAGE>

such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including
Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable.  In addition,
the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to
any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall
lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation
takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated.  To the extent it has
not been previously exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate
immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

          (c)  MERGER OR ASSET SALE.  In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be
assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation.  In the
event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the
right to exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned
Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or
exercisable.  If an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested and
exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or
sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or
electronically that the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully vested and
exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and
the Option or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon the expiration of such
period.  For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the
option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of
Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior
to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or
other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by
holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the
transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of
consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares);
provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of
assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent,
the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide
for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option or Stock
Purchase Right, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option or Stock
Purchase Right, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by
holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets.

     14.  DATE OF GRANT.  The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right
shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the
determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such other later
date as is determined by the Administrator.  Notice of the determination shall
be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after the date of such
grant.

     15.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.


                                      -12-

<PAGE>

          (a)  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.  The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.

          (b)  STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.  The Company shall obtain stockholder
approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.

          (c)  EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.  No amendment, alteration,
suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator,
which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise
the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to options granted under the
Plan prior to the date of such termination.

     16.  CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.

          (a)  LEGAL COMPLIANCE.  Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of such Option
or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall
comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of
counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

          (b)  INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIONS.  As a condition to the exercise of an
Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Company may require the person exercising
such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.

     17.  INABILITY TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY.  The inability of the Company to obtain
authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is
deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale
of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect
of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority
shall not have been obtained.

     18.  RESERVATION OF SHARES.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.


                                      -13-

<PAGE>

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

                                 1996 STOCK PLAN

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT


     Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement.

I.  NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

NAME:          ___________________________________________

ADDRESS:       ___________________________________________
               ___________________________________________
               ___________________________________________

     You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as
follows:

     Grant Number                       _________________________

     Date of Grant                      _________________________

     Vesting Commencement Date          _________________________

     Exercise Price per Share           $________________________

     Total Number of Shares Granted     _________________________

     Total Exercise Price               $_________________________

     Type of Option:                    ___       Incentive Stock Option

                                        ___       Nonstatutory Stock Option

     Term/Expiration Date:              _________________________


     VESTING SCHEDULE:

     This Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the
following schedule:

<PAGE>

     40% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest two years after the
Vesting Commencement Date, and 20% of the Shares subject to the Option shall
vest each year thereafter on the anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date,
subject to the Optionee continuing to be a Service Provider on such dates.

     TERMINATION PERIOD:

     This Option may be exercised for 90 days after Optionee ceases to be a
Service Provider.  Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may
be exercised for up to 12 months following the date Optionee ceases to be a 
Service Provider due to death or Disability.  In no event shall
this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above.

II.  AGREEMENT

     1.   GRANT OF OPTION.  The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants
to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this
Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of
Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set
forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.  Subject to
Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and
conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement,
the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

          If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option
("ISO"), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under
Section 422 of the Code.  However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive
Stock Option, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section
422(d) it shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option ("NSO").

     2.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.

          (a)  RIGHT TO EXERCISE.  This Option is exercisable during its term in
accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the
applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

          (b)  METHOD OF EXERCISE.  This Option is exercisable by delivery of an
exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"),
which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and
such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company
pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.  The Exercise Notice shall be completed
by the Optionee and delivered to the Secretary of the Company.  The Exercise
Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all
Exercised Shares.  This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by
the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate
Exercise Price.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

          No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option
unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws.  Assuming such
compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered
transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to
such Exercised Shares.

     3.   METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be
by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the
Optionee:

          (a)  cash; or

          (b)  check; or

          (c)  consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan.

     4.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION.  This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee.  The
terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors,
administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee.

     5.   TERM OF OPTION.  This Option may be exercised only within the term set
out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in
accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

     6.   TAX CONSEQUENCES.  Some of the federal tax consequences relating to
this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below.  THIS SUMMARY
IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO
CHANGE.  THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION
OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.

          (a)  EXERCISING THE OPTION.

               (i)    NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION.  The Optionee may incur regular
federal income tax liability upon exercise of a NSO.  The Optionee will be
treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax
rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price.  If the
Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to
withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the
applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this
compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the
exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not
delivered at the time of exercise.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

               (ii)   INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION.  If this Option qualifies as an
ISO, the Optionee will have no regular federal income tax liability upon its
exercise, although the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised
Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price will be
treated as an adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income for federal tax
purposes and may subject the Optionee to alternative minimum tax in the year of
exercise.  In the event that the Optionee ceases to be an Employee but remains a
Service Provider, any Incentive Stock Option of the Optionee that remains
unexercised shall cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option and will be
treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option on the date three (3)
months and one (1) day following such change of status.

          (b)  DISPOSITION OF SHARES.

               (i)    NSO.  If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one
year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-
term capital gain for federal income tax purposes.

               (ii)   ISO.  If the Optionee holds ISO Shares for at least one
year after exercise and two years after the grant date, any gain realized on
disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal
income tax purposes.  If the Optionee disposes of ISO Shares within one year
after exercise or two years after the grant date, any gain realized on such
disposition will be treated as compensation income (taxable at ordinary income
rates) to the extent of the excess, if any, of the lesser of (A) the difference
between the Fair Market Value of the Shares acquired on the date of exercise and
the aggregate Exercise Price, or (B) the difference between the sale price of
such Shares and the aggregate Exercise Price.  Any additional gain will be taxed
as capital gain, short-term or long-term depending on the period that the ISO
Shares were held.

          (c)  NOTICE OF DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION OF ISO SHARES.  If the
Optionee sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to
an ISO on or before the later of (i) two years after the grant date, or (ii) one
year after the exercise date, the Optionee shall immediately notify the Company
in writing of such disposition.  The Optionee agrees that he or she may be
subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income
recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out
of the current earnings paid to the Optionee.

     7.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan is incorporated herein by
reference.  The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement
of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their
entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with
respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the
Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and
Optionee.  This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not
the choice of law rules, of Texas.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

     8.   NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE.  OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES
THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED
ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT
THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES
HEREUNDER).  OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE
TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO
NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A
SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL
NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE
OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT
CAUSE.

     By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below,
you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the
terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.  Optionee has
reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an
opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option
Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement.
Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions
or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan
and Option Agreement.  Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any
change in the residence address indicated below.


                                       -5-

<PAGE>


OPTIONEE:                          INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.



______________________________     _______________________________________
Signature                          By

______________________________     ______________________________________
Print Name                         Title

______________________________
Residence Address

______________________________


                                       -6-

<PAGE>

                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE

     The undersigned spouse of Optionee has read and hereby approves the terms
and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.  In consideration of the
Company's granting his or her spouse the right to purchase Shares as set forth
in the Plan and this Option Agreement, the undersigned hereby agrees to be
irrevocably bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option
Agreement and further agrees that any community property interest shall be
similarly bound.  The undersigned hereby appoints the undersigned's spouse as
attorney-in-fact for the undersigned with respect to any amendment or exercise
of rights under the Plan or this Option Agreement.

                                        _______________________________________
                                        Spouse of Optionee


                                       -7-

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

                                 1996 STOCK PLAN

                                 EXERCISE NOTICE


IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
Building Two, Plaza One
Austin, TX 78746

Attention:  Secretary

     1.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Effective as of today, ________________, 199__,
the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares
(the "Shares") of the Common Stock of IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc. (the
"Company") under and pursuant to the 1996 Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock
Option Agreement dated              , 19___ (the "Option Agreement").  The
purchase price for the Shares shall be $             , as required by the Option
Agreement.

     2.   DELIVERY OF PAYMENT.  Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the
full purchase price for the Shares.

     3.   REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASER.  Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser
has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees
to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

     4.   RIGHTS AS STOCKHOLDER.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or
any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned
Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.  The Shares so acquired shall
be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option.
No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record
date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 13 of the
Plan.

     5.   TAX CONSULTATION.  Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of
the Shares.  Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax
consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

     6.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT; GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan and Option Agreement are
incorporated herein by reference.  This Agreement, the Plan and the Option
Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and
agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter

<PAGE>

hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by
means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser.  This agreement is
governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of
Texas.


Submitted by:                           Accepted by:

PURCHASER:                              INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.


_____________________________           _____________________________________
Signature                               By

_____________________________           _____________________________________
Print Name                              Its


ADDRESS:                                ADDRESS:

____________________________            IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
                                        1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
____________________________            Building Two, Plaza One
                                        Austin, TX 78746
____________________________
                                        _____________________________________
                                        Date Received


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

                                 1996 STOCK PLAN

                     NOTICE OF GRANT OF STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT


     Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Notice of Grant.

NAME:          ___________________________________________

ADDRESS:       ___________________________________________
               ___________________________________________
               ___________________________________________

     You have been granted the right to purchase Common Stock of the Company,
subject to the Company's Repurchase Option and your ongoing status as a Service
Provider (as described in the Plan and the attached Restricted Stock Purchase
Agreement), as follows:

     Grant Number                       _________________________

     Date of Grant                      _________________________

     Price Per Share                    $________________________

     Total Number of Shares Subject     _________________________
       to This Stock Purchase Right

     Expiration Date:                   _________________________


     YOU MUST EXERCISE THIS STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OR
IT WILL TERMINATE AND YOU WILL HAVE NO FURTHER RIGHT TO PURCHASE THE SHARES.  By
your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below, you and
the Company agree that this Stock Purchase Right is granted under and governed
by the terms and conditions of the 1996 Stock Plan and the Restricted Stock
Purchase Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, both of which are made a
part of this document.  You further agree to execute the attached Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement as a condition to purchasing any shares under this
Stock Purchase Right.

GRANTEE:                                INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.


___________________________             ________________________________
Signature                               By

___________________________             ________________________________
Print Name                              Title

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-1

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

                                 1996 STOCK PLAN

                       RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have
the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement.

     WHEREAS the Purchaser named in the Notice of Grant, (the "Purchaser") is a
Service Provider, and the Purchaser's continued participation is considered by
the Company to be important for the Company's continued growth; and

     WHEREAS in order to give the Purchaser an opportunity to acquire an equity
interest in the Company as an incentive for the Purchaser to participate in the
affairs of the Company, the Administrator has granted to the Purchaser a Stock
Purchase Right subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Notice of
Grant, which are incorporated herein by reference, and pursuant to this
Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement").

     NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   SALE OF STOCK.  The Company hereby agrees to sell to the Purchaser and
the Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock
(the "Shares"), at the per Share purchase price and as otherwise described in
the Notice of Grant.

     2.   PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price for the Shares may be
paid by delivery to the Company at the time of execution of this Agreement of
cash, a check, or some combination thereof.

     3.   REPURCHASE OPTION.

          (a)  In the event the Purchaser ceases to be a Service Provider for
any or no reason (including death or disability) before all of the Shares are
released from the Company's Repurchase Option (see Section 4), the Company
shall, upon the date of such termination (as reasonably fixed and determined by
the Company) have an irrevocable, exclusive option (the "Repurchase Option") for
a period of sixty (60) days from such date to repurchase up to that number of
shares which constitute the Unreleased Shares (as defined in Section 4) at the
original purchase price per share (the "Repurchase Price").  The Repurchase
Option shall be exercised by the Company by delivering written notice to the
Purchaser or the Purchaser's executor (with a copy to the Escrow Holder) AND, at
the Company's option, (i) by delivering to the Purchaser or the Purchaser's
executor a check in the amount of the aggregate Repurchase Price, or (ii) by
cancelling an amount of the Purchaser's indebtedness to the Company equal to the
aggregate Repurchase Price, or (iii) by a combination of (i) and (ii) so that
the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals the aggregate
Repurchase Price.  Upon delivery of such notice and the payment of the aggregate
Repurchase Price,

<PAGE>

the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Shares being
repurchased and all rights and interests therein or relating thereto, and the
Company shall have the right to retain and transfer to its own name the number
of Shares being repurchased by the Company.

          (b)  Whenever the Company shall have the right to repurchase Shares
hereunder, the Company may designate and assign one or more employees, officers,
directors or stockholders of the Company or other persons or organizations to
exercise all or a part of the Company's purchase rights under this Agreement and
purchase all or a part of such Shares.  If the Fair Market Value of the Shares
to be repurchased on the date of such designation or assignment (the "Repurchase
FMV") exceeds the aggregate Repurchase Price of such Shares, then each such
designee or assignee shall pay the Company cash equal to the difference between
the Repurchase FMV and the aggregate Repurchase Price of such Shares.

     4.   RELEASE OF SHARES FROM REPURCHASE OPTION.

          (a)  Forty  percent (40%) of the Shares shall be released from the
Company's Repurchase Option two years after the Date of Grant and twenty percent
(20%) of the Shares at the end of each year thereafter, provided that the
Purchaser does not cease to be a Service Provider prior to the date of any such
release.

          (b)  Any of the Shares that have not yet been released from the
Repurchase Option are referred to herein as "Unreleased Shares."

          (c)  The Shares that have been released from the Repurchase Option
shall be delivered to the Purchaser at the Purchaser's request (see Section 6).

     5.   RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER.  Except for the escrow described in Section 6
or the transfer of the Shares to the Company or its assignees contemplated by
this Agreement, none of the Shares or any beneficial interest therein shall be
transferred, encumbered or otherwise disposed of in any way until such Shares
are released from the Company's Repurchase Option in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement, other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.

     6.   ESCROW OF SHARES.

          (a)  To ensure the availability for delivery of the Purchaser's
Unreleased Shares upon repurchase by the Company pursuant to the Repurchase
Option, the Purchaser shall, upon execution of this Agreement, deliver and
deposit with an escrow holder designated by the Company (the "Escrow Holder")
the share certificates representing the Unreleased Shares, together with the
stock assignment duly endorsed in blank, attached hereto as Exhibit A-2.  The
Unreleased Shares and stock assignment shall be held by the Escrow Holder,
pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Company and Purchaser attached
hereto as Exhibit A-3, until such time as the Company's Repurchase Option
expires.  As a further condition to the Company's obligations under this


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

Agreement, the Company may require the spouse of Purchaser, if any, to execute
and deliver to the Company the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit A-4.

          (b)  The Escrow Holder shall not be liable for any act it may do or
omit to do with respect to holding the Unreleased Shares in escrow while acting
in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.

          (c)  If the Company or any assignee exercises the Repurchase Option
hereunder, the Escrow Holder, upon receipt of written notice of such exercise
from the proposed transferee, shall take all steps necessary to accomplish such
transfer.

          (d)  When the Repurchase Option has been exercised or expires
unexercised or a portion of the Shares has been released from the Repurchase
Option, upon request the Escrow Holder shall promptly cause a new certificate to
be issued for the released Shares and shall deliver the certificate to the
Company or the Purchaser, as the case may be.

          (e)  Subject to the terms hereof, the Purchaser shall have all the
rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares while they are held in
escrow, including without limitation, the right to vote the Shares and to
receive any cash dividends declared thereon.  If, from time to time during the
term of the Repurchase Option, there is (i) any stock dividend, stock split or
other change in the Shares, or (ii) any merger or sale of all or substantially
all of the assets or other acquisition of the Company, any and all new,
substituted or additional securities to which the Purchaser is entitled by
reason of the Purchaser's ownership of the Shares shall be immediately subject
to this escrow, deposited with the Escrow Holder and included thereafter as
"Shares" for purposes of this Agreement and the Repurchase Option.

     7.   LEGENDS.  The share certificate evidencing the Shares, if any, issued
hereunder shall be endorsed with the following legend (in addition to any legend
required under applicable state securities laws):

     THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN
RESTRICTIONS UPON TRANSFER AND RIGHTS OF REPURCHASE AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

     8.   ADJUSTMENT FOR STOCK SPLIT.  All references to the number of Shares
and the purchase price of the Shares in this Agreement shall be appropriately
adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or other change in the
Shares which may be made by the Company after the date of this Agreement.

     9.   TAX CONSEQUENCES.  The Purchaser has reviewed with the Purchaser's own
tax advisors the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this
investment and the transactions contem-


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

plated by this Agreement.  The Purchaser is relying solely on such advisors and
not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents.
The Purchaser understands that the Purchaser (and not the Company) shall be
responsible for the Purchaser's own tax liability that may arise as a result of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  The Purchaser understands that
Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), taxes
as ordinary income the difference between the purchase price for the Shares and
the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the
Shares lapse.  In this context, "restriction" includes the right of the Company
to buy back the Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Option.  The Purchaser
understands that the Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are
purchased rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires by filing an
election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the IRS within 30 days from the
date of purchase.  The form for making this election is attached as Exhibit A-5
hereto.

          THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS THE PURCHASER'S SOLE
RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY'S TO FILE TIMELY THE ELECTION UNDER
SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF THE PURCHASER REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES
TO MAKE THIS FILING ON THE PURCHASER'S BEHALF.

     10.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.

          (a)  This Agreement shall be governed by the internal substantive
laws, but not the choice of law rules of Texas.  This Agreement, subject to the
terms and conditions of the Plan and the Notice of Grant, represents the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the purchase of the Shares by the
Purchaser.  Subject to Section 15(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict
between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.  Unless
otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same
defined meanings in this Agreement.

          (b)  Any notice, demand or request required or permitted to be given
by either the Company or the Purchaser pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered personally or
deposited in the U.S. mail, First Class with postage prepaid, and addressed to
the parties at the addresses of the parties set forth at the end of this
Agreement or such other address as a party may request by notifying the other in
writing.

          Any notice to the Escrow Holder shall be sent to the Company's address
with a copy to the other party hereto.

          (c)  The rights of the Company under this Agreement shall be
transferable to any one or more persons or entities, and all covenants and
agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the
Company's successors and assigns.  The rights and obligations of the Purchaser
under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the
Company.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

          (d)  Either party's failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement
shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision, nor prevent
that party from thereafter enforcing any other provision of this Agreement.  The
rights granted both parties hereunder are cumulative and shall not constitute a
waiver of either party's right to assert any other legal remedy available to it.

          (e)  The Purchaser agrees upon request to execute any further
documents or instruments necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or
intent of this Agreement.

          (f)  PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING SERVICE AS A SERVICE
PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED OR
PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER).  PURCHASER FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE
SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED
ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT
ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH PURCHASER'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO
TERMINATE PURCHASER'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR
WITHOUT CAUSE.

     By Purchaser's signature below, Purchaser represents that he or she is
familiar with the terms and provisions of the Plan, and hereby accepts this
Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof.  Purchaser has
reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity
to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully
understands all provisions of this Agreement.  Purchaser agrees to accept as
binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the
Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
Purchaser further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence
indicated in the Notice of Grant.

DATED:  _____________________

PURCHASER:                              INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

______________________________          __________________________________
Signature                               By

______________________________          __________________________________
Print Name                              Title


                                       -5-

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-2

                      ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE



     FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, __________________________, hereby sell, assign 
and transfer unto _________________________________________________ (__________)
shares of the Common Stock of IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc. standing in 
my name of the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No. _____ 
herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ______________________
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named corporation with 
full power of substitution in the premises.

     This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") between________________________ and
the undersigned dated ______________, 19__.


Dated: _______________, 19


                                        Signature:______________________________






INSTRUCTIONS:  Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line.
The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise the
Repurchase Option, as set forth in the Agreement, without requiring additional
signatures on the part of the Purchaser.

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-3

                            JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS


                                                                          , 19

Corporate Secretary
IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
Building Two, Plaza One
Austin, TX 78746

Dear                  :

     As Escrow Agent for both IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and the undersigned purchaser of stock of the
Company (the "Purchaser"), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the
documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") between the Company and the undersigned,
in accordance with the following instructions:

     1.   In the event the Company and/or any assignee of the Company (referred
to collectively as the "Company") exercises the Company's Repurchase Option set
forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give to Purchaser and you a written
notice specifying the number of shares of stock to be purchased, the purchase
price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the
Company.  Purchaser and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you
to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the
terms of said notice.

     2.   At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments
necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares
being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate
evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company or its
assignee, against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by
cash, a check, or some combination thereof) for the number of shares of stock
being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Company's Repurchase Option.

     3.   Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any
certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any
additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement.
Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as Purchaser's
attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect
to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such
securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated,
including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state blue sky
authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of transfer of,
the securities.  Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, Purchaser shall
exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company while the
stock is held by you.

<PAGE>

     4.   Upon written request of the Purchaser, but no more than once per
calendar year, unless the Company's Repurchase Option has been exercised, you
shall deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing so many
shares of stock as are not then subject to the Company's Repurchase Option.
Within 90 days after Purchaser ceases to be a Service Provider, you shall
deliver to Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate
number of shares held or issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by
the Company or its assignees pursuant to exercise of the Company's Repurchase
Option.

     5.   If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your
possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Purchaser,
you shall deliver all of the same to Purchaser and shall be discharged of all
further obligations hereunder.

     6.   Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked
only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

     7.   You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are
specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or
refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do
hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Purchaser while acting in
good faith, and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your
own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

     8.   You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings
given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation,
excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly
authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court.
In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall
not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or
corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order,
judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside,
vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

     9.   You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity,
authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to
execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called
for hereunder.

     10.  You shall not be liable for the outlawing of any rights under the
statute of limitations with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any
documents deposited with you.

     11.  You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts
as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your
obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay
such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

     12.  Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you
shall cease to be an officer or agent of the Company or if you shall resign by
written notice to each party.  In the event of any such termination, the Company
shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.

     13.  If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection
with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the
necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

     14.  It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect
to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities held
by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in your possession
without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such
disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the
parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has
been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend
any such proceedings.

     15.  Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing
and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in
the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and
fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the
following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten
days' advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.


          COMPANY:          IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
                            1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
                            Building Two, Plaza One
                            Austin, TX 78746

          PURCHASER:        ____________________________________

                            ____________________________________

                            ____________________________________

          ESCROW AGENT:     Corporate Secretary
                            IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
                            1250 Capital of Texas Highway South
                            Building Two, Plaza One
                            Austin, TX 78746

     16.  By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto
only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a
party to the Agreement.

     17.  This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

     18.  These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the internal substantive laws, but not the
choice of law rules, of Texas.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.


                                        _____________________________________
                                        By

                                        _____________________________________
                                        Title

                                        PURCHASER:

                                        _____________________________________
                                        Signature

                                        _____________________________________
                                        Print Name


ESCROW AGENT:


_____________________________________
Corporate Secretary


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-4

                                CONSENT OF SPOUSE


     I, ______________________________, spouse of __________________________,
have read and approve the foregoing Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the
"Agreement").  In consideration of the Company's grant to my spouse of the right
to purchase shares of IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., as set forth in the
Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect to the
exercise of any rights under the Agreement and agree to be bound by the
provisions of the Agreement insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement
or any shares issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or
similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our
residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement.

Dated: _______________, 19


                                   __________________________________________
                                   Signature of Spouse

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT A-5
                          ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b)
                      OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986

The undersigned taxpayer hereby elects, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in taxpayer's gross income
for the current taxable year the amount of any compensation taxable to taxpayer
in connection with his or her receipt of the property described below:

1.   The name, address, taxpayer identification number and taxable year of the
     undersigned are as follows:

     NAME:                   TAXPAYER:            SPOUSE:

     ADDRESS:

     IDENTIFICATION NO.:      TAXPAYER:           SPOUSE:

     TAXABLE YEAR:

2.   The property with respect to which the election is made is described as
     follows:             shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of
     IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc. (the "Company").

3.   The date on which the property was transferred is:               , 19__.

4.   The property is subject to the following restrictions:

     The Shares may be repurchased by the Company, or its assignee, upon certain
     events. This right lapses with regard to a portion of the Shares based on
     the continued performance of services by the taxpayer over time.

5.   The fair market value at the time of transfer, determined without regard to
     any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will never
     lapse, of such property is:
     $_______________.

6.   The amount (if any) paid for such property is:

     $_______________.

The undersigned has submitted a copy of this statement to the person for whom
the services were performed in connection with the undersigned's receipt of the
above-described property.  The transferee of such property is the person
performing the services in connection with the transfer of said property.

THE UNDERSIGNED UNDERSTANDS THAT THE FOREGOING ELECTION MAY NOT BE REVOKED
EXCEPT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER.

Dated:    ___________________, 19____   ________________________________________
                                        Taxpayer


The undersigned spouse of taxpayer joins in this election.

Dated:    ___________________, 19____   ________________________________________
                                        Spouse of Taxpayer

<PAGE>

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

                            1996 DIRECTOR OPTION PLAN


     1.   PURPOSES OF THE PLAN.  The purposes of this 1996 Director Option Plan
are to attract and retain the best available personnel for service as Outside
Directors (as defined herein) of the Company, to provide additional incentive to
the Outside Directors of the Company to serve as Directors, and to encourage
their continued service on the Board.

          All options granted hereunder shall be nonstatutory stock options.

     2.   DEFINITIONS.  As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

          (a)  "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          (b)  "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          (c)  "COMMON STOCK" means the Common Stock of the Company.

          (d)  "COMPANY" means IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

          (e)  "DIRECTOR" means a member of the Board.

          (f)  "EMPLOYEE" means any person, including officers and Directors,
employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  The payment
of a Director's fee by the Company shall not be sufficient in and of itself to
constitute "employment" by the Company.

          (g)  "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          (h)  "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means, as of any date, the value of Common
Stock determined as follows:

               (i)    If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock
exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its
Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the
closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for
the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as the Administrator deems
reliable;

               (ii)   If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized
securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of
a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked
prices for the Common Stock on the date of

<PAGE>

determination, as reported in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL or such other source as
the Board deems reliable;

               (iii)  In the absence of an established market for the Common
Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Board.

          (i)  "INSIDE DIRECTOR" means a Director who is an Employee.

          (j)  "OPTION" means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

          (k)  "OPTIONED STOCK" means the Common Stock subject to an Option.

          (l)  "OPTIONEE"  means a Director who holds an Option.

          (m)  "OUTSIDE DIRECTOR" means a Director who is not an Employee.

          (n)  "PARENT" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter
existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

          (o)  "PLAN" means this 1996 Director Option Plan.

          (p)  "SHARE" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in
accordance with Section 10 of the Plan.

          (q)  "SUBSIDIARY" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or
hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986.

     3.   STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  Subject to the provisions of Section 10 of
the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold
under the Plan is 100,000 Shares of Common Stock (the "Pool").  The Shares may
be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

          If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall
become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated).  Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan shall not be
returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution
under the Plan.

     4.   ADMINISTRATION AND GRANTS OF OPTIONS UNDER THE PLAN.

          (a)  PROCEDURE FOR GRANTS.  All grants of Options to Outside Directors
under this Plan shall be made strictly in accordance with the following
provisions:


                                       -2-

<PAGE>

               (i)    Each Outside Director shall be granted an Option to
purchase that number of Shares which the Board in its sole discretion deems
advisable (the "First Option") on the date on which such person first becomes an
Outside Director, whether through election by the stockholders of the Company or
appointment by the Board to fill a vacancy; provided, however, that an Inside
Director who ceases to be an Inside Director but who remains a Director shall
not receive a First Option.

               (ii)   Each Outside Director shall be granted an Option to
purchase that number of Shares which the Board in its sole discretion deems
advisable (a "Subsequent Option") on the date of the annual stockholders meeting
provided he or she is then an Outside Director and if as of such date, he or she
shall have served on the Board for at least the preceding six (6) months.

               (iii)  The terms of a First Option granted hereunder shall be as
follows:

                      (A)    the term of the First Option shall be ten (10)
years.

                      (B)    the First Option shall be exercisable only while
the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set forth in
Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                      (C)    the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the First Option.  In the
event that the date of grant of the First Option is not a trading day, the
exercise price per Share shall be the Fair Market Value on the next trading day
immediately following the date of grant of the First Option.

                      (D)    subject to Section 10 hereof, the First Option
shall become exercisable at the rate which the Board in its sole discretion
deems advisable.

               (iv)   The terms of a Subsequent Option granted hereunder shall
be as follows:

                      (A)    the term of the Subsequent Option shall be ten (10)
years.

                      (B)    the Subsequent Option shall be exercisable only
while the Outside Director remains a Director of the Company, except as set
forth in Sections 8 and 10 hereof.

                      (C)    the exercise price per Share shall be 100% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.  In
the event that the date of grant of the Subsequent Option is not a trading day,
the exercise price per Share shall be the Fair Market Value on the next trading
day immediately following the date of grant of the Subsequent Option.

                      (D)    subject to Section 10 hereof, the Subsequent Option
shall become exercisable at the rate which the Board in its sole discretion
deems advisable.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>

     5.   ELIGIBILITY.  Options may be granted only to Outside Directors.  All
Options shall be granted in accordance with the terms set forth in Section 4
hereof.

          The Plan shall not confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to
continuation of service as a Director or nomination to serve as a Director, nor
shall it interfere in any way with any rights which the Director or the Company
may have to terminate the Director's relationship with the Company at any time.

     6.   TERM OF PLAN.  The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by 
the Board.  It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless 
sooner terminated under Section 11 of the Plan.

     7.   FORM OF CONSIDERATION.  The consideration to be paid for the Shares to
be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method of payment, shall
consist of (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) other shares which (x) in the case of
Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option, have been owned by the Optionee for
more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the
Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised, (iv) consideration received
by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in
connection with the Plan, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of
payment.

     8.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.

          (a)  PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE; RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER. Any Option
granted hereunder shall be exercisable at such times as are set forth in
Section 4 hereof.

          An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.

          An Option shall be deemed to be exercised when written notice of such
exercise has been given to the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Option by the person entitled to exercise the Option and full payment for the
Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised has been received by the
Company.  Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment
allowable under Section 7 of the Plan.  Until the issuance (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer
agent of the Company) of the stock certificate evidencing such Shares, no right
to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist
with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
A share certificate for the number of Shares so acquired shall be issued to the
Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment
shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior
to the date the stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 10 of
the Plan.


                                       -4-

<PAGE>

          Exercise of an Option in any manner shall result in a decrease in the
number of Shares which thereafter may be available, both for purposes of the
Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the
Option is exercised.

          (b)  TERMINATION OF CONTINUOUS STATUS AS A DIRECTOR.  Subject to
Section 10 hereof, in the event an Optionee's status as a Director terminates
(other than upon the Optionee's death or total and permanent disability (as
defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code)), the Optionee may exercise his or her
Option, but only within three (3) months following the date of such termination,
and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date
of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10)
year term).  To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an
Option on the date of such termination, and to the extent that the Optionee does
not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time
specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

          (c)  DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE.  In the event Optionee's status as a
Director terminates as a result of total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but
only within twelve (12) months following the date of such termination, and only
to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise it on the date of such
termination (but in no event later than the expiration of its ten (10) year
term).  To the extent that the Optionee was not entitled to exercise an Option
on the date of termination, or if he or she does not exercise such Option (to
the extent otherwise so entitled) within the time specified herein, the Option
shall terminate.

          (d)  DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  In the event of an Optionee's death, the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by
bequest or inheritance may exercise the Option, but only within twelve (12)
months following the date of death, and only to the extent that the Optionee was
entitled to exercise it on the date of death (but in no event later than the
expiration of its ten (10) year term).  To the extent that the Optionee was not
entitled to exercise an Option on the date of death, and to the extent that the
Optionee's estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise such Option
does not exercise such Option (to the extent otherwise so entitled) within the
time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.

     9.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.  The Option may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the
lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee.

     10.  ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION, DISSOLUTION, MERGER OR
          ASSET SALE.

          (a)  CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION.  Subject to any required action by the
stockholders of the Company, the number of Shares covered by each outstanding
Option, the number of Shares which have been authorized for issuance under the
Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been
returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as
the price per Share covered by each such outstanding Option, and the number of
Shares issuable


                                       -5-

<PAGE>

pursuant to the automatic grant provisions of Section 4 hereof shall be
proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued
Shares resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of issued Shares effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any
convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected
without receipt of consideration."  Except as expressly provided herein, no
issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities
convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment
by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of Shares
subject to an Option.

          (b)  DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION.  In the event of the proposed
dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to the extent that an Option has not
been previously exercised, it shall terminate immediately prior to the
consummation of such proposed action.

          (c)  MERGER OR ASSET SALE.  In the event of a merger of the Company
with or into another corporation or the sale of substantially all of the assets
of the Company, outstanding Options may be assumed or equivalent options may be
substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary thereof (the
"Successor Corporation").  If an Option is assumed or substituted for, the
Option or equivalent option shall continue to be exercisable as provided in
Section 4 hereof for so long as the Optionee serves as a Director or a director
of the Successor Corporation.  Following such assumption or substitution, if the
Optionee's status as a Director or director of the Successor Corporation, as
applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the
Optionee, the Option or option shall become fully exercisable, including as to
Shares for which it would not otherwise be exercisable.  Thereafter, the Option
or option shall remain exercisable in accordance with Sections 8(c) through (e)
above.

     If the Successor Corporation does not assume an outstanding Option or
substitute for it an equivalent option, the Option shall become fully vested and
exercisable, including as to Shares for which it would not otherwise be
exercisable.  In such event the Board shall notify the Optionee that the Option
shall be fully exercisable for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
such notice, and upon the expiration of such period the Option shall terminate.


     For the purposes of this Section 10(c), an Option shall be considered
assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the Option confers the right
to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock subject to the Option
immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether
stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of
assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of
the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type
of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares).
If such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may,
with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to
be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock
subject to the Option, to be solely common stock of


                                       -6-

<PAGE>

the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per
share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of
assets.

     11.  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

          (a)  AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.  The Board may at any time amend,
alter, suspend, or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration,
suspension, or discontinuation shall be made which would impair the rights of
any Optionee under any grant theretofore made, without his or her consent.  In
addition, to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with any applicable
law,  regulation or stock exchange rule, the Company shall obtain stockholder
approval of any Plan amendment in such a manner and to such a degree as
required.

          (b)  EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.  Any such amendment or
termination of the Plan shall not affect Options already granted and such
Options shall remain in full force and effect as if this Plan had not been
amended or terminated.

     12.  TIME OF GRANTING OPTIONS.  The date of grant of an Option shall, for
all purposes, be the date determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

     13.  CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES.  Shares shall not be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the
issuance and delivery of such Shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all
relevant provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, state securities laws, and the requirements of any stock exchange
upon which the Shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the
approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

          As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require
the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and
without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, if, in the
opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of
the aforementioned relevant provisions of law.

          Inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body
having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such
Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.

     14.  RESERVATION OF SHARES.  The Company, during the term of this Plan,
will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be
sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.


                                       -7-

<PAGE>

     15.  OPTION AGREEMENT.  Options shall be evidenced by written option
agreements in such form as the Board shall approve.



                                       -8-

<PAGE>

                      INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.

                            DIRECTOR OPTION AGREEMENT



     IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), has granted to ______________________________________ (the
"Optionee"), an option to purchase a total of  __________________ (_________)
shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Optioned Stock"), at the price
determined as provided herein, and in all respects subject to the terms,
definitions and provisions of the Company's 1996 Director Option Plan (the
"Plan") adopted by the Company which is incorporated herein by reference.  The
terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings herein.

     1.   NATURE OF THE OPTION.  This Option is a nonstatutory option and is not
intended to qualify for any special tax benefits to the Optionee.

     2.   EXERCISE PRICE.  The exercise price is $_______ for each share of
Common Stock.

     3.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.  This Option shall be exercisable during its term
in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan as follows:

          (i)  RIGHT TO EXERCISE.

               (a)    This Option shall become exercisable in installments
cumulatively with respect to forty percent (40%) of the Optioned Stock two years
after the date of grant, and thereafter as to an additional twenty percent (20%)
of the Optioned Stock on each anniversary of the date of grant, so that one
hundred percent (100%) of the Optioned Stock shall be exercisable five years
after the date of grant.

               (b)    This Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a
share.

               (c)    In the event of Optionee's death, disability or other
termination of service as a Director, the exercisability of the Option is
governed by Section 8 of the Plan.

        (ii)   METHOD OF EXERCISE.  This Option shall be exercisable by written
notice which shall state the election to exercise the Option and the number of
Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised.  Such written notice,
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, shall be signed by the Optionee and
shall be delivered in person or by certified mail to the Secretary of the
Company.  The written notice shall be accompanied by payment of the exercise
price.

     4.   METHOD OF PAYMENT.  Payment of the exercise price shall be by any of
the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee:

          (i)  cash;

<PAGE>

         (ii)  check; or

         (iii) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise
program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan.

     5.   RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE.  This Option may not be exercised if the
issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of
consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable
federal or state securities or other law or regulations, or if such issuance
would not comply with the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the
Shares may then be listed.  As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the
Company may require Optionee to make any representation and warranty to the
Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

     6.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTION.  This Option may not be transferred in
any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee.  The
terms of this Option shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs,
successors and assigns of the Optionee.

     7.   TERM OF OPTION.  This Option may not be exercised more than ten (10)
years from the date of grant of this Option, and may be exercised during such
period only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option.

     8.   TAXATION UPON EXERCISE OF OPTION.  Optionee understands that, upon
exercise of this Option, he or she will recognize income for tax purposes in an
amount equal to the excess of the then Fair Market Value of the Shares purchased
over the exercise price paid for such Shares.  Since the Optionee is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under certain
limited circumstances the measurement and timing of such income (and the
commencement of any capital gain holding period) may be deferred, and the
Optionee is advised to contact a tax advisor concerning the application of
Section 83 in general and the availability a Section 83(b) election in
particular in connection with the exercise of the Option.  Upon a resale of such
Shares by the Optionee, any difference between the sale price and the Fair
Market Value of the Shares on the


                                      -10-

<PAGE>

date of exercise of the Option, to the extent not included in income as
described above, will be treated as capital gain or loss.

DATE OF GRANT:  ______________

                                        INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.,
                                        a Delaware corporation



                                        By: __________________________



     Optionee acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, a copy of which is
attached hereto, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and
provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms
and provisions thereof.  Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive
and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions
arising under the Plan.


     Dated: _________________

                                        ______________________________
                                        Optionee


                                      -11-

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                         DIRECTOR OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE

IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc.
1250 Capital of Texas Highway
Building Two, Plaza One
Austin, TX 78746

Attention:  Corporate Secretary

     1.   EXERCISE OF OPTION.  The undersigned ("Optionee") hereby elects to
exercise Optionee's option to purchase ______ shares of the Common Stock (the
"Shares") of IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc. (the "Company") under and
pursuant to the Company's 1996 Director Option Plan and the Director Option
Agreement dated _______________ (the "Agreement").

     2.   REPRESENTATIONS OF OPTIONEE.  Optionee acknowledges that Optionee has
received, read and understood the Agreement.

     3.   FEDERAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.  Optionee understands that the
Shares must be held indefinitely unless they are registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or unless an exemption from such
registration is available, and that the certificate(s) representing the Shares
may bear a legend to that effect.  Optionee understands that the Company is
under no obligation to register the Shares and that an exemption may not be
available or may not permit Optionee to transfer Shares in the amounts or at the
times proposed by Optionee.

     4.   TAX CONSEQUENCES.  Optionee understands that Optionee may suffer
adverse tax consequences as a result of Optionee's purchase or disposition of
the Shares.  Optionee represents that Optionee has consulted with any tax
consultant(s) Optionee deems advisable in connection with the purchase or
disposition of the Shares and that Optionee is not relying on the Company for
any tax advice.

     5.   DELIVERY OF PAYMENT.  Optionee herewith delivers to the Company the
aggregate purchase price for the Shares that Optionee has elected to purchase
and has made provision for the payment of any federal or state withholding taxes
required to be paid or withheld by the Company.

     6.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  The Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.
This Exercise Notice and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the
parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of
the Company and Optionee with respect to the


                                       -1-

<PAGE>

subject matter hereof.  This Exercise Notice and the Agreement are governed by
Texas law except for that body of law pertaining to conflict of laws.

Submitted by:                           Accepted by:

OPTIONEE:                          INTELLIQUEST INFORMATION GROUP, INC.


                                        By:
- ----------------------------------           ------------------------------
                                        Its:
                                             ------------------------------
Address:




Dated:                                  Dated:
       ---------------------------             ----------------------------


                                       -2-

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
    We  hereby consent to  the use in  the Prospectus constituting  part of this
Amendment No. 2  to Registration Statement  on Form S-1  (No. 333-12547) of  our
report  dated July 25, 1996 relating to the consolidated financial statements of
IntelliQuest Information Group, Inc. which  appears in such Prospectus. We  also
consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
    
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
   
Austin, Texas
October 10, 1996
    


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