Research

Sprint

Combining the best of two leading telecommunications companies, Sprint Nextel Business Solutions offers the wireline and wireless assets of Sprint Corporation with the popular business wireless services of Nextel Communications, which Sprint acquired in 2005. The powerhouse can now provide the walkie-talkie-style mobile phone features that have made Nextel a hit with many businesses. Sprint has long been a leader in enterprise communications services that include Internet and IP services, networking and conferencing, and data relay services. Sprint Nextel is focusing on the provision of wireless broadband services.

The combination of wireline and wireless assets and a track record of success in the enterprise communications marketplace for both former companies should make Sprint Nextel Business Solutions a difficult competitor to beat in the important business sector. Competition will be tough, however, as two telecom titans are poised to strengthen their operations in this arena: Verizon Communications is enhancing its business operations with its acquisition of MCI. Rival SBC Communications (now AT&T Inc.) has entered the arena, too, with its purchase of AT&T Corp.

Sprint Nextel Business Solutions was formerly known as Sprint Global Markets Group, a division of the Sprint FON Group.

General Electric

When working with electricity, GE Supply feels quite at ohm with watt industry needs. The company, a unit of mega-manufacturer General Electric, is a global distributor of electrical, voice, and data products. Its inventory of products -- from GE and more than 200 other manufacturers -- includes such items as cable and wire, conduits, industrial controls, electrical distribution equipment, lighting products, motors, and power conditioning devices. GE Supply also provides ordering and technical support services. The unit has operations on four continents.

GE Supply operates a hub-and-spoke network, with direct overnight delivery service to customer in hub-serviced areas. Its National Sales Center serves as a centralized contact point for small and medium-size customers, and its Global Account Management group supports large, multi-location customers.