APPLE

DESCRIPTION

Computers are still an important part of its mix, but these days music-related products are at the top of Apple's playlist. The company scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Apple's desktop and laptop computers -- all of which feature its OS X operating system -- include its Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook for the consumer and education markets, and more powerful Mac Pro and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Other products include mobile phones (iPhone), servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. Its FileMaker subsidiary provides database software.

Only co-founder, CEO, and Apple crusader Steve Jobs may have expected the level of success the company's music-related products have enjoyed. Since debuting the iPod in 2001, Apple has provided regular feature updates to the line, including touch-screen displays and wireless capabilities. In 2003 Apple announced the launch of an online music service called the iTunes Music Store that lets computer users purchase and download songs for 99 cents each. Apple has since expanded the offerings to include music videos, audiobooks, television shows, and other content. The store's catalog, which has helped spur sales of Apple's popular iPod digital music and video players, includes songs from the five largest record labels, as well as television and movie content from a number of networks. The company has also launched international versions of its iTunes Music Store. In 2006 the company launched an online movie service, and previewed a device called iTV for watching downloaded content on televisions. Apple announced availability of its television device, redubbed Apple TV, early the following year.

HEWLETT-PACKARD

DESCRIPTION

While Hewlett-Packard may be known for product innovation, the company's corporate development is a tale of reinvention. HP provides enterprise and consumer customers a full range of high-tech equipment, including personal computers, servers, storage devices, printers, and networking equipment. Its software portfolio includes operating systems, print management tools, and OpenView, a suite that encompasses application, business, network infrastructure, and product lifecycle management. HP also boasts an IT service organization that is among the world's largest.

Years after its acquisition of Compaq Computer -- a deal valued at approximately $19 billion -- HP continues to integrate its operations. Debate over to the wisdom of the merger and speculation about the possibility of spinning off certain divisions of HP also continues, but CEO Mark Hurd has so far opted to keep HP intact. Since taking over in 2005, Hurd has been charged with streamlining operations, and soon after his appointment he split the printer and personal systems units that his predecessor, Carly Fiorina, had combined only months earlier. Other restructuring measures include the dissolution of its Customer Solutions Group, and a workforce reduction of roughly 10%. The company is now made up of seven business segments, most of which fall under three broad units: Technology Solutions Group, Personal Systems Group, and Imaging and Printing Group.