Apple in BusinessWeek 50

BusinessWeek 50 - The Best Performers has recognized Apple as a dynamic company that is trying to revolutionize cellular phones the same way it did for music players. The BusinessWeek 50 represents the publication's "best in class" companies from each of the 10 sectors that make up the S&P 500, finding Google at the top of the "Outstanding Class" category. Apple trailed at the 34th spot, but is mentioned for its pioneering effort to "revolutionize the phone" as it stated at the device's debut in January. "Somewhere along the line, Apple went from being Microsoft’s whipping boy to becoming, in some ways, the new Microsoft," BusinessWeek wrote.

"Apple sets the standard in digital music, with more than 70 percent of the music player market and nearly 90 percent of the song download business."

The list points to Apple's seemingly meager 5 percent of the PC market, but notes that Mac sales are steadily rising and the company is targeting vast new markets that were historically tapped by Microsoft.

"Targets include the so-called digital living room, where Apple hopes to stream Net video fare to the TV via its new Apple TV gizmo, and the mobile communications sector, where it's rolling the iPhone in hopes of replicating its iPod success."

The Cupertino-based company faced cloudy skies last year related to illegal stock options backdating troubles, as well as hiring a company that uses alleged sweatshop conditions in China. Despite these issues, however, list makers note that Apple still managed to perform exceptionally well and may continue to do so in the future.

"Barring unexpected product bombs, Apple's star seems destined to rise farther still."

by MacNN Staff