Microsoft

DESCRIPTION
Microsoft's ambitions are anything but small. The world's #1 software company provides a variety of products and services, including its Windows operating systems and Office software suite. The company has expanded into markets such as video game consoles, server and storage software, and digital music players. Microsoft has reached settlements to end a slew of antitrust investigations and lawsuits, including agreeing to uniformly license its operating systems and allowing manufacturers to include competing software with Windows. In 2008 Microsoft made repeated efforts to acquire Yahoo! but was rebuffed by that company's board of directors.

Stryker

DESCRIPTION
Is this an operating room or Dad's workshop? Stryker's surgical products include such instruments as drills, saws, rasps, even cement mixers. The company's Orthopaedic Implants category includes artificial joints, spinal rods and screws, artificial vertebral discs, bone cement, and other orthopedic implants and supplies. The company's orthopaedic division also makes OP-1, a product to grow bone. The MedSurg Equipment segment include facial and hand surgery instruments, endoscopy equipment, and communications and patient handling equipment. Stryker's products are marketed globally to hospitals, doctors, and other health care facilities via direct sales personnel and distributors.

Nike

DESCRIPTION
Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, helped others succeed in times of war. NIKE, the world's #1 shoemaker, does more dominating than assisting, to capture a hefty share of the US athletic shoe market. It designs and sells shoes for a variety of sports, including baseball, cheerleading, golf, volleyball, hiking, tennis, and football. NIKE also sells Cole Haan dress and casual shoes, as well as athletic apparel and equipment. In addition, NIKE operates NIKETOWN shoe and sportswear stores, NIKE factory outlets, and NIKE Women shops. NIKE sells its products throughout the US and in more than 180 other countries. In 2006 NIKE veteran Mark Parker succeeded Bill Perez as president and CEO. It bought Umbro in 2008.