Careers in Tech: Top 5 Tech Companies
These five tech companies generate more revenue than many nations. They’re recognizable by their branded products, including Microsoft’s Windows operating system and productivity software, Samsung’s electronic devices, Google’s search engine, and Amazon’s cloud computing platform.
But these companies are also creating a lot of ecowaste. What can we do about it?
1. Apple
Apple has been a Silicon Valley trend-setter for four decades. The company’s design-centric approach and obsessive focus on user experience resulted in such iconic products as the Apple II, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Its high-margin services business, which includes cloud computing and the online App Store, also brings in substantial revenue.
Apple’s front row real estate on its devices is a valuable asset, which explains why the tech giant makes so much money from selling apps to users of its smartphone operating system. However, the company has run into trouble over data privacy and consumer protection.
In his book, Manjoo calls the five most powerful tech companies the “Big Five.” They dominate the world’s stock markets and, by extension, have a major influence on technology.
2. Google
Google dominates the internet search and digital advertising markets, while also offering a suite of productivity tools, like Gmail, Google Keep and Google Docs. It also offers a range of smart home devices, including the Nest thermostat, indoor and outdoor cameras and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Google also produces physical products, such as the Pixel smartphone line and Chromebook laptop range. It also owns fitness tracker brand FitBit and video service YouTube.
While many of Google’s products are successful, it also has a long list of failed ventures, such as the RSS reader iGoogle, photo management software Picasa and the short-lived project Tango (an AR system that allowed compatible phones to map a real space and project virtual objects into it). Some have called for the tech giant to be broken up or face greater regulation.
3. Amazon
Many companies in this list — including those like Amazon that are primarily retail sellers or those that focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence — rely on technology to grow their businesses. That is why careers in tech are such a hot field for job seekers today.
The tech giants Facebook (Meta), Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft generate so much consumer data and cash that it sometimes feels they can’t be stopped. But even digital superpowers are vulnerable to upstarts and established rivals.
Cisco, a longtime leader in networking technology, fell down the rankings this year after a series of cybersecurity incidents, including a breach at a US government client and the settlement of a lawsuit over its video-surveillance software used by law enforcement agencies.
4. Microsoft
The company produces various technological devices and online services. It is known for its diversified product portfolio which includes software like Microsoft Windows, productivity software with Office, and cloud services with Azure.
It is also the largest producer of mobile phones worldwide with brands such as Galaxy S, Note, and Z. It has ventured into other areas as well such as ship, turbines, aircraft engines, and life insurance.
Other notable tech companies include Dell Technologies, which provides a wide range of products from PCs and smartphones to cybersecurity and data storage solutions. Tesla, founded by Elon Musk, is the world’s leading electric car manufacturer and makes a big impact in the transportation sector. Finally, Apple is the biggest consumer electronics company in the world.
5. Facebook
The world’s largest social network focuses on connecting people through text, photos, and video. Its platforms allow people to share content publicly or privately with specific groups of friends or family, and it also owns Instagram and WhatsApp. Its new focus on augmented and virtual reality suggests the company is looking ahead to what’s next in digital communications.
Its products and services range from mobile phones to streaming video games and smart speakers. But the tech juggernaut faces many challenges, including privacy concerns and questions about its ability to grow without running into regulation. It could change its approach by working with policymakers on projects that might require a bit more flexibility in the short term but would yield long-term benefits for society. It could also invest more in its research and development teams.