Research

Google
Description

If you've never Googled, you probably aren't finding what you want online. Google operates the leading Internet search engine, offering targeted search results from more than 8 billion Web pages. The site, which ranks results based on a proprietary algorithm, offers search results in more than 35 languages and attracts an audience of more than 380 million people worldwide. The company generates revenue through ads that are targeted by keywords. Google also sells ads across a network of more than 200,000 affiliated Web sites. Founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page each have nearly 30% voting control of the company.

Sun Microsystems
Description

When it comes to network computing, it's hard to find an area where the Sun doesn't shine. Sun Microsystems is a leading maker of UNIX-based servers used to power corporate computer networks and Web sites. It also makes workstation computers and a widening range of disk- and tape-based storage systems. Unlike most hardware vendors, Sun makes computers that use its own chips (SPARC) and operating system (Solaris). Its software portfolio includes application server, office productivity, and network management applications. Sun also developed Java, a programming language for creating software that can run unchanged on multiple operating systems.

Sun continues to expand its support of Windows and Linux-based products. While the company remains firmly committed to Solaris, it has adopted Linux for select low-end server deployments and developing desktop PC products. With companies such as Dell nipping at its heels at the low end, Sun countered with its own line of inexpensive servers that use Linux and processors from AMD and Intel. It has also made inroads into high-end data centers, a market where IBM has been entrenched with its long history of providing mainframe computing. Sun announced the formation of a new microelectronics unit in 2007. In addition to internal development and supply functions, the division sells SPARC processors to other manufacturers.