Verizon Communications
DESCRIPTION
The second largest US telecommunications services provider (after AT&T) has taken the top spot in wireless services (ahead of AT&T Mobility). The company's wireline business provides local telephone, long-distance, and Internet access services to residential and business customers in 24 states and Washington, DC. It has about 40 million voice access lines in operation and serves about 8 million broadband Internet customers. Verizon Wireless (known legally as Cellco Partnership), the company's joint venture with Vodafone Group, serves more than 80 million customers. Verizon Business provides communications and information technology (IT) services to business and government clients in the US and abroad.
Apple Inc.
DESCRIPTION
Apple aims for nothing short of a revolution, whether in personal computing or digital media distribution. The company'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. Apple scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Other products include mobile phones (iPhone), servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. Its FileMaker subsidiary provides database software.